UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 26, 2018

 

 

NuStar Energy L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-16417   74-2956831

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

19003 IH-10 West

San Antonio, Texas 78257

(Address of principal executive offices)

(210) 918-2000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement and Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership

On June 26, 2018, NuStar Energy L.P. (the “Partnership”) entered into a Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement (the “Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement”) with investment funds, accounts and entities (collectively, the “Purchasers”) managed by EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisors, LLC (EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisors, LLC are referred to herein, collectively, as “EIG”) to issue and sell in a private placement $590.0 million of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Preferred Units”). The Partnership will issue 23,246,650 Preferred Units to the Purchasers at a price of $25.38 per Preferred Unit (the “Preferred Unit Purchase Price”). At the initial closing on June 29, 2018 (the “Initial Closing”), the Purchasers purchased $400.0 million of Preferred Units. The Purchasers have agreed to purchase the remaining $190.0 million of Preferred Units at a second closing, scheduled to occur on July 13, 2018. The Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Partnership and the Purchasers. Net proceeds to the Partnership from the sale of the Preferred Units, after deduction of fees and expenses, including a 3.5% transaction fee and reimbursement of expenses paid to the Purchasers, are expected to be approximately $556.8 million.

At the Initial Closing and pursuant to the Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, the Partnership executed the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership (the “Amended Partnership Agreement”) to authorize and establish the rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Units. The Preferred Units are a new class of partnership interests that rank senior to common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (“Common Units”) with respect to distributions. The Preferred Units generally will vote on an as-converted basis with the Common Units and will have certain class voting rights with respect to a limited number of matters, including (subject to certain exceptions) with respect to: (i) any amendment to the Amended Partnership Agreement or the Partnership’s certificate of limited partnership that would be materially adverse to any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Units; (ii) the incurrence by the Partnership of indebtedness such that the consolidated debt coverage ratio of the Partnership exceeds 6.00 to 1.00; (iii) the issuance of additional securities on parity with the Preferred Units; (iv) the issuance of any security senior to the Preferred Units; (v) the issuance of any preferred equity interest by any subsidiary of the Partnership; (vi) the repurchase of any preferred equity interest in the Partnership; (vii) the payment of distributions from capital surplus; and (viii) the liquidation or dissolution, or engagement in or consent to any reorganization in bankruptcy, voluntary petition for bankruptcy, receivership or similar transaction or proceeding of the Partnership or any of its material subsidiaries.

Holders of the Preferred Units will receive cumulative distributions of 9.75% per annum for the first two years after issuance, 10.75% per annum for years three through five and the greater of 13.75% per annum or the Common Unit distribution rate thereafter. While the Preferred Units are outstanding, the Partnership will be prohibited from paying distributions on any junior securities, including the Common Units, unless full cumulative distributions on the Preferred Units (and any parity securities) have been, or contemporaneously are being, paid or set aside for payment through the most recent Preferred Unit distribution payment date. For the four distribution periods beginning with the initial Preferred Unit distribution, the Preferred Unit distributions may be paid, in the Partnership’s sole discretion, in (i) cash or (ii) a combination of additional Preferred Units and cash, provided that up to 50% of the distribution amount may be paid in additional Preferred Units. Thereafter, any Preferred Unit distributions in excess of $0.635 may be paid, in the Partnership’s sole discretion, in additional Preferred Units, with the remainder paid in cash.

On and after the second anniversary of the Initial Closing, each holder of Preferred Units may convert all or any portion of its Preferred Units into Common Units on a one-for-one basis, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, at any time, but not more than once per quarter, so long as any conversion is for at least $50.0 million based on the Preferred Unit Purchase Price (or such lesser amount representing all of a holder’s Preferred Units).

Upon certain events involving a change of control, each holder of the Preferred Units may elect to: (i) convert its Preferred Units into Common Units on a one-for-one basis, plus accrued and unpaid distributions; (ii) require the Partnership to redeem its Preferred Units for an amount equal to the sum of (a) 117.5% of the Preferred Unit Purchase Price, plus accrued and unpaid distributions on the applicable Preferred Unit plus (b) the applicable distribution amount multiplied by the number of distribution periods ending after the change of control event and prior to (but including) the fourth anniversary of the Initial Closing; (iii) if the Partnership is the surviving entity and its Common Units continue to be listed, continue to hold its Preferred Units; or (iv) if the Partnership will not be the surviving entity, or it will be the surviving entity but its Common Units will cease to be listed, require the Partnership to use its commercially reasonable efforts to deliver a security in the surviving entity that has substantially similar terms as the Preferred Units.

 

2


The Partnership may redeem all or any portion of the Preferred Units, in an amount not less than $50.0 million, at any time on or after the fifth anniversary of the Initial Closing, for cash at the then applicable redemption price. Additionally, at any time on or after the tenth anniversary of the Initial Closing, each holder of Preferred Units will have the right to require the Partnership to redeem all of the Preferred Units held by such holder. If a holder of Preferred Units exercises its redemption right, the Partnership may elect to pay up to 50% of such amount in Common Units based on a 7% discount to the volume-weighted average trading price of the Common Units for the 30 trading days ending on the fourth trading day immediately prior to such redemption; provided that the Common Units to be issued do not equal more than 15% of the common equity market capitalization.

Pursuant to the Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, at the Initial Closing, the Partnership entered into: (i) an Information Rights Agreement with EIG, pursuant to which the Partnership will provide certain information to EIG for so long as the Purchasers collectively hold at least a majority of the Preferred Units issued at the Initial Closing; and (ii) a Non-Solicitation Letter Agreement with EIG and the Purchasers that provides that none of EIG, the Purchasers or their respective affiliates will solicit any third-parties in connection with a proposal to acquire control of the Partnership or NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (“NSH”).

Registration Rights Agreement

On June 29, 2018, in connection with the Initial Closing and pursuant to the Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, the Partnership entered into a Registration Rights Agreement (the “Registration Rights Agreement”) with the Purchasers relating to the registration of the Preferred Units and Common Units issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Units (the “Common Unit Registrable Securities” and, collectively with the Preferred Units, the “Registrable Securities”). Pursuant to the Registration Rights Agreement, the Partnership is required to use its commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement and to cause such registration statement to become effective: (i) with respect to the Common Unit Registrable Securities, no later than one year after the Initial Closing; and (ii) with respect to the Preferred Units, no later than one year following the receipt by the Partnership after the second anniversary of the Initial Closing of a written request from holders holding a majority of the Preferred Units to register the Preferred Units. If the Partnership fails to cause such registration statements to become effective by such dates, the Partnership will be required to pay certain amounts to the holders of the Registrable Securities as liquidated damages. In certain circumstances, and subject to customary qualifications and limitations, the holders of Common Unit Registrable Securities will have piggyback registration rights on offerings of Common Units initiated by the Partnership, and certain Purchasers will have rights to request that the Partnership initiate up to three Underwritten Offerings (as defined in the Registration Rights Agreement) of Common Unit Registrable Securities. Generally, holders of Registrable Securities will cease to have rights under the Registration Rights Agreement on the fourth anniversary of the date on which all Preferred Units have been converted into Common Units, unless such rights cease earlier pursuant to the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.

Greehey Purchase Agreement

On June 26, 2018, the Partnership entered into a Purchase Agreement (the “Greehey Purchase Agreement”) with William E. Greehey, the Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of NuStar GP, LLC, the general partner of the Partnership’s general partner, to issue and sell to Mr. Greehey in a private placement $10.0 million of Common Units. Mr. Greehey acquired 413,736 Common Units at a price of $24.17 per Common Unit. The issuance and sale of the Common Units pursuant to the Greehey Purchase Agreement closed on June 29, 2018. The Greehey Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Partnership and Mr. Greehey.

The Nomination/Governance & Conflicts Committee of the Board approved the issuance and sale of the Common Units to Mr. Greehey. As of June 26, 2018, Mr. Greehey held 3,479,533 Common Units, representing a 3.7% limited partner interest in the Partnership, and held 9,178,320 NSH common units, representing a 21.4% interest in NSH.

Revolver Amendment

On June 29, 2018, the Partnership entered into the Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, among NuStar Logistics, L.P. (“Logistics”), as Borrower, the Partnership, NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto (the “Revolver Amendment”). The Revolver Amendment amends the Amended and Restated 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2014, among Logistics, the Partnership, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, SunTrust Bank and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Co-Syndication Agents, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, and the lenders party thereto, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”).

 

3


The Revolver Amendment makes changes to permit the issuance of the Preferred Units by excluding them from the definition of Indebtedness thereunder. The Revolver Amendment also: (i) amends the definition of Change in Control contained in the Credit Agreement such that a change of control under the terms of the Preferred Units will be a Change in Control under the Credit Agreement; (ii) reduces the aggregate commitments thereunder from $1.75 billion to $1.575 billion upon the effectiveness of the Revolver Amendment and from $1.575 billion to $1.4 billion six months after the effectiveness of the Revolver Amendment; (iii) adds a maintenance financial covenant, which requires that the Partnership’s interest coverage ratio not be less than 1.75 to 1.00 as of the last day of any rolling four quarter period, beginning with the rolling period ending June 30, 2018; and (iv) limits the issuance of additional Preferred Units after the date of the Revolver Amendment to no more than $200.0 million.

The foregoing descriptions of the Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Greehey Purchase Agreement and the Revolver Amendment do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the complete text of the Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Greehey Purchase Agreement and the Revolver Amendment, which are filed herewith as Exhibits 10.1, 4.2, 10.2, and 10.3, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information set forth under Item 1.01 above with respect to the Revolver Amendment is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

 

Item 3.02 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities.

The information regarding the private placement of Preferred Units and Common Units set forth in Item 1.01 and Item 5.03 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.02. The private placement of the Preferred Units pursuant to the Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement and the Common Units pursuant to the Greehey Purchase Agreement were undertaken in reliance upon an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof.

 

Item 3.03 Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders.

The information set forth under Item 5.03 is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.

 

Item 5.03 Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year.

A summary of the rights, preferences and privileges of the Preferred Units and other material terms and conditions of the Amended Partnership Agreement is set forth in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, and is incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.

The foregoing description of the Amended Partnership Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Amended Partnership Agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 3.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events

Closing Press Release

On June 29, 2018, the Partnership issued a press release announcing the Initial Closing of Preferred Units and the closing of the Common Unit issuance and sale to Mr. Greehey. A copy of the press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

Supplement to Proxy Statement/Prospectus

As previously disclosed, the Partnership and NSH have entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, pursuant to which, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions, NSH will be merged with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership (the “merger”).

On June 25, 2018, the Partnership and NSH filed a definitive proxy statement/prospectus in connection with the merger with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

 

4


The proxy statement/prospectus is hereby amended to delete the words “and on a combined basis” occurring on pages 6, 21 and 97 of the proxy statement/prospectus. Nothing in this Current Report on Form 8-K shall be deemed an admission of the legal necessity or materiality of the revisions set forth herein.

Important Information for Investors and Unitholders

On February 7, 2018, the Partnership, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., NuStar GP, LLC, Marshall Merger Sub LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership (“Merger Sub”), Riverwalk Holdings, LLC and NSH entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into NSH with NSH being the surviving entity, such that the Partnership will be the sole member of NSH following the merger. In connection with the proposed merger, the Partnership has filed a registration statement (Registration No. 333-223671), which includes its preliminary prospectus, a preliminary proxy statement of NSH and other materials, with the SEC. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on June 15, 2018 and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus has been mailed to NSH unitholders. INVESTORS AND UNITHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP, NSH AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The information in this communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to or in connection with the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. Investors and unitholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents (when available) containing important information about the Partnership and NSH through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Partnership will be available free of charge on the Partnership’s website at www.nustarenergy.com under the tab “Investors” or by contacting the Partnership’s Investor Relations at investorrelations@nustarenergy.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by NSH will be available free of charge on NSH’s website at www.nustargpholdings.com under the tab “Investors” or by contacting NSH’s investor relations at investorrelations@nustarenergy.com.

The Partnership and its general partner, the directors and certain of the executive officers of NuStar GP, LLC and NSH and its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the unitholders of NSH in connection with the proposed merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of NuStar GP, LLC is set forth in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of NSH is set forth in NSH’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources listed above. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes “forward-looking statements” as defined by the SEC. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership or NSH expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the expected second closing of the sale of the Preferred Units and anticipated benefits and other aspects of the proposed merger, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the possibility that the merger will not be completed prior to the August 8, 2018 outside termination date, required approvals by unitholders and regulatory agencies, the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the proposed mergers cannot be fully realized, the possibility that costs or difficulties related to integration of the two companies will be greater than expected, the impact of competition and other risk factors included in the reports filed with the SEC by the Partnership or NSH. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Except as required by law, neither the Partnership nor NSH intends to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

5


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Description

  3.1    Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P.
  4.1    Specimen Unit Certificate for the Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units (attached as Exhibit E to the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P. filed as Exhibit 3.1 hereto).
  4.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, by and among NuStar Energy L.P. and the Purchasers party thereto.
10.1    Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2018, among NuStar Energy L.P. and the Purchasers party thereto.
10.2    Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2018, by and between NuStar Energy L.P. and William E. Greehey.
10.3    Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of June  29, 2018, among NuStar Logistics, L.P., NuStar Energy L.P., NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P., JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and the lenders party thereto.
99.1    Press Release, dated as of June 29, 2018

 

6


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

    NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.
    By:   Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.
      its general partner
      By:   NuStar GP, LLC
        its general partner
Date: June 29, 2018     By:     /s/ Amy L. Perry
    Name:     Amy L. Perry
    Title:     Senior Vice President, General Counsel - Corporate & Commercial Law and Corporate Secretary

 

7

Exhibit 3.1

Execution Version

SEVENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

OF

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I  
DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1

  Definitions      3

SECTION 1.2

  Construction      36
ARTICLE II  
ORGANIZATION

SECTION 2.1

  Formation      37

SECTION 2.2

  Name      37

SECTION 2.3

  Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices      37

SECTION 2.4

  Purpose and Business      37

SECTION 2.5

  Powers      38

SECTION 2.6

  Power of Attorney      38

SECTION 2.7

  Term      40

SECTION 2.8

  Title to Partnership Assets      40
ARTICLE III  
RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS

SECTION 3.1

  Limitation of Liability      40

SECTION 3.2

  Management of Business      40

SECTION 3.3

  Outside Activities of the Limited Partners      41

SECTION 3.4

  Rights of Limited Partners      41
ARTICLE IV  

CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

SECTION 4.1

  Certificates      42

SECTION 4.2

  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates      42

SECTION 4.3

  Record Holders      43

SECTION 4.4

  Transfer Generally      44

SECTION 4.5

  Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests      44

SECTION 4.6

  Transfer of the General Partner’s General Partner Interest      45

SECTION 4.7

  Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights      45

SECTION 4.8

  Restrictions on Transfers      46

SECTION 4.9

  Citizenship Certificates; Non-citizen Assignees      46

SECTION 4.10

  Redemption of Partnership Interests of Non-citizen Assignees      47
ARTICLE V  

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

SECTION 5.1

  Contributions by the General Partner and its Affiliates      48

SECTION 5.2

  Contributions by Limited Partners      49

SECTION 5.3

  Interest and Withdrawal      49

SECTION 5.4

  Capital Accounts      49

SECTION 5.5

  Issuances of Additional Partnership Securities      53

 

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SECTION 5.6

  No Fractional Units      54

SECTION 5.7

  Limited Preemptive Right      54

SECTION 5.8

  Splits and Combinations      54

SECTION 5.9

  Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner Interests      55
ARTICLE VI  
ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

SECTION 6.1

  Allocations for Capital Account Purposes      55

SECTION 6.2

  Allocations for Tax Purposes      62

SECTION 6.3

  Requirement and Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to Record Holders      65

SECTION 6.4

  Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus      65

SECTION 6.5

  Distributions of Available Cash from Capital Surplus      66

SECTION 6.6

  Adjustment of Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels      67

SECTION 6.7

  Reserved      67

SECTION 6.8

  Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Incentive Distribution Rights      67

SECTION 6.9

  Special Provisions Relating to Series D Conversion Common Units      67

SECTION 6.10

  Entity-Level Taxation      68
ARTICLE VII  
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS

SECTION 7.1

  Management      68

SECTION 7.2

  Certificate of Limited Partnership      70

SECTION 7.3

  Restrictions on General Partner’s Authority      71

SECTION 7.4

  Reimbursement of the General Partner      71

SECTION 7.5

  Outside Activities      72

SECTION 7.6

  Loans from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from the Partnership; Contracts with Affiliates; Certain Restrictions on the General Partner      73

SECTION 7.7

  Indemnification      75

SECTION 7.8

  Liability of Indemnitees      76

SECTION 7.9

  Resolution of Conflicts of Interest      77

SECTION 7.10

  Other Matters Concerning the General Partner      79

SECTION 7.11

  Purchase or Sale of Partnership Securities      79

SECTION 7.12

  Registration Rights of the General Partner and its Affiliates      79

SECTION 7.13

  Reliance by Third Parties      81
ARTICLE VIII  

BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS

SECTION 8.1

  Records and Accounting      82

SECTION 8.2

  Fiscal Year      82

SECTION 8.3

  Reports      82

 

-ii-


 

ARTICLE IX

TAX MATTERS

  

SECTION 9.1

  Tax Returns and Information      83

SECTION 9.2

  Tax Elections      83

SECTION 9.3

  Tax Controversies      83

SECTION 9.4

  Withholding      84
  ARTICLE X   
  ADMISSION OF PARTNERS   

SECTION 10.1

  Admission of Limited Partners      84

SECTION 10.2

  Admission of Substituted Limited Partner      84

SECTION 10.3

  Admission of Successor General Partner      85

SECTION 10.4

  Admission of Additional Limited Partners      85

SECTION 10.5

  Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership      86
  ARTICLE XI   
  WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS   

SECTION 11.1

  Withdrawal of the General Partner      86

SECTION 11.2

  Removal of the General Partner      87

SECTION 11.3

  Interest of Departing Partner and Successor General Partner      87

SECTION 11.4

  Withdrawal of Limited Partners      89
  ARTICLE XII   
  DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION   

SECTION 12.1

  Dissolution      89

SECTION 12.2

  Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After Dissolution      90

SECTION 12.3

  Liquidator      90

SECTION 12.4

  Liquidation      91

SECTION 12.5

  Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership      92

SECTION 12.6

  Return of Contributions      92

SECTION 12.7

  Waiver of Partition      92

SECTION 12.8

  Capital Account Restoration      92
  ARTICLE XIII   
  AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE   

SECTION 13.1

  Amendment to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner      92

SECTION 13.2

  Amendment Procedures      94

SECTION 13.3

  Amendment Requirements      94

SECTION 13.4

  Special Meetings      95

SECTION 13.5

  Notice of a Meeting      95

SECTION 13.6

  Record Date      96

SECTION 13.7

  Adjournment      96

SECTION 13.8

  Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting; Approval of Minutes      96

SECTION 13.9

  Quorum      96

SECTION 13.10

  Conduct of a Meeting      97

SECTION 13.11

  Action Without a Meeting      97

SECTION 13.12

  Voting and Other Rights      98

 

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ARTICLE XIV  
MERGER

SECTION 14.1

  Authority      99

SECTION 14.2

  Procedure for Merger or Consolidation      99

SECTION 14.3

  Approval by Limited Partners of Merger or Consolidation      100

SECTION 14.4

  Certificate of Merger      101

SECTION 14.5

  Effect of Merger      101
  ARTICLE XV   
RIGHT TO ACQUIRE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS

SECTION 15.1

  Right to Acquire Limited Partner Interests      102
ARTICLE XVI  
SERIES A FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PERPETUAL  
PREFERRED UNITS

SECTION 16.1

  Designations      104

SECTION 16.2

  Series A Preferred Units      104

SECTION 16.3

  Distributions      104

SECTION 16.4

  Voting Rights      107

SECTION 16.5

  Optional Redemption; Series A Rating Event      107

SECTION 16.6

  Rank      109

SECTION 16.7

  No Sinking Fund      110

SECTION 16.8

  Record Holders      110

SECTION 16.9

  Notices      110

SECTION 16.10

  Other Rights; Fiduciary Duties      110

SECTION 16.11

  Change of Control      110
ARTICLE XVII  
SERIES B FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PERPETUAL  
PREFERRED UNITS

SECTION 17.1

  Designations      113

SECTION 17.2

  Series B Preferred Units      113

SECTION 17.3

  Distributions      114

SECTION 17.4

  Voting Rights      116

SECTION 17.5

  Optional Redemption; Series B Rating Event      117

SECTION 17.6

  Rank      119

SECTION 17.7

  No Sinking Fund      119

SECTION 17.8

  Record Holders      119

SECTION 17.9

  Notices      119

SECTION 17.10

  Other Rights; Fiduciary Duties      119

SECTION 17.11

  Change of Control      120
ARTICLE XVIII  
SERIES C FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PERPETUAL  
PREFERRED UNITS

SECTION 18.1

  Designations      122

SECTION 18.2

  Series C Preferred Units      122

 

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SECTION 18.3   Distributions      123
SECTION 18.4   Voting Rights      125
SECTION 18.5   Optional Redemption; Series C Rating Event      126
SECTION 18.6   Rank      128
SECTION 18.7   No Sinking Fund      129
SECTION 18.8   Record Holders      129
SECTION 18.9   Notices      129
SECTION 18.10   Other Rights; Fiduciary Duties      129
SECTION 18.11   Change of Control      129
ARTICLE XIX  
SERIES D CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS
SECTION 19.1   Designations      132
SECTION 19.2   Series D Preferred Units      132
SECTION 19.3   Distributions      132
SECTION 19.4   Voting Rights      138
SECTION 19.5   Certificates; Legends      140
SECTION 19.6   Conversion at the Option of the Series D Preferred Unitholders      140
SECTION 19.7   Series D Change of Control      143
SECTION 19.8   Redemption      144
SECTION 19.9   Transfer Restrictions      147
SECTION 19.10   Rank      148
SECTION 19.11   No Sinking Fund      148
SECTION 19.12   Record Holders      148
SECTION 19.13   Notices      148
SECTION 19.14   Other Rights      148
ARTICLE XX  
GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION 20.1   Addresses and Notices      149
SECTION 20.2   Further Action      149
SECTION 20.3   Binding Effect      149
SECTION 20.4   Integration      150
SECTION 20.5   Creditors      150
SECTION 20.6   Waiver      150
SECTION 20.7   Counterparts      150
SECTION 20.8   Applicable Law      150
SECTION 20.9   Invalidity of Provisions      150
SECTION 20.10   Consent of Partners      150

 

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SEVENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

OF

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.

THIS SEVENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. (the “ Partnership ”) dated as of June 29, 2018, is entered into by and among Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, as the General Partner, the Limited Partners (as defined herein) as of the date hereof, together with any other Persons (as defined herein) who become Partners (as defined herein) in the Partnership or parties hereto as provided herein and, solely for purposes of Section  19.3 hereof, NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. In consideration of the covenants, conditions and agreements contained herein, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

WHEREAS, the General Partner and the Limited Partners entered into that Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership dated as of November 30, 2017 (the “ Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, Section 5.5(a) of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement provides that the Partnership is authorized to issue additional Partnership Securities for any Partnership purpose at any time and from time to time to such Persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as the General Partner shall determine, all without the approval of any Limited Partners;

WHEREAS, Section 5.5(b) of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement provides that additional Partnership Securities (as defined therein) authorized to be issued by the Partnership pursuant to Section 5.5(a) of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement may be issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any such classes, with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing classes and series of Partnership Securities), as shall be fixed by the General Partner in the exercise of its sole discretion, including (i) the right to share in Partnership profits and losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may redeem the Partnership Security; (v) whether such Partnership Security is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Partnership Security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; and (vii) the right, if any, of each such Partnership Security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative rights, preferences and privileges of such Partnership Security;

WHEREAS, Section 5.5(c) of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement provides that the General Partner is authorized and directed to take all actions that it determines necessary or appropriate in connection with each issuance of Partnership Securities pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement and shall do all things it determines necessary or advisable in connection with any future issuance of Partnership Securities pursuant to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement, including compliance with any statute, rule, regulation or guideline of any federal, state or other governmental agency or any National Securities Exchange (as defined therein) on which the Units (as defined therein) or other Partnership Securities are listed or admitted to trading;


WHEREAS, Section 13.1(d)(i) of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement provides that, subject to Section 16.4, Section 17.4 and Section 18.4 of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement, the General Partner, without the approval of any Partner or Assignee (as defined therein), may amend any provision of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect a change that, in the discretion of the General Partner, does not adversely affect the Limited Partners (including any particular class of Partnership Interests (as defined in the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement) as compared to other classes of Partnership Interests) in any material respect;

WHEREAS, Section 13.1(g) of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement provides that, subject to the terms of Section 16.4, Section 17.4, Section 18.4 and Section 5.6 of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement, the General Partner, without the approval of any Partner or Assignee, may amend any provision of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement to reflect an amendment that, in the discretion of the General Partner, is necessary or advisable in connection with the authorization of issuance of any class or series of Partnership Securities pursuant to Section 5.5 of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement;

WHEREAS, Section 16.4(b), Section 17.4(b) and Section 18.4(b) of the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement provide that the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66  2 3 % of the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units (as defined therein), Outstanding Series B Preferred Units (as defined therein) or Outstanding Series C Preferred Units (as defined therein), as applicable, voting as a separate class, is required for the General Partner to adopt any amendment to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the powers, preferences, duties or special rights of the Series A Preferred Units, the Series B Preferred Units or the Series C Preferred Units, as applicable; provided, however , that so long as cumulative distributions on Series A Preferred Units, the Series B Preferred Units or the Series C Preferred Units, as applicable, are not in arrears and such amendment does not create or issue any Senior Securities (as defined in the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement), the issuance of additional Partnership Securities (as defined in the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement) is not deemed to constitute a material adverse effect;

WHEREAS, the General Partner has determined that the amendments to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement contemplated hereby (i) are necessary or appropriate in connection with the authorization of issuance of the Series D Preferred Units (as defined herein) and (ii) do not adversely affect the Limited Partners (including any particular class of Partnership Interests as compared to other classes of Partnership Interests) in any material respect; and

WHEREAS, cumulative distributions payable on each of the Series A Preferred Units, the Series B Preferred Units and the Series C Preferred Units are not in arrears and the amendments to the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement contemplated hereby do not result in the issuance of any Senior Securities;

 

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NOW, THEREFORE, the General Partner does hereby amend and restate the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement to provide, in its entirety, as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.1 Definitions.

The following definitions shall be for all purposes, unless otherwise clearly indicated to the contrary, applied to the terms used in this Agreement.

Acquisition ” means any transaction in which any Group Member acquires (through an asset acquisition, merger, stock acquisition or other form of investment) control over all or a portion of the assets, properties or business of another Person for the purpose of increasing the operating capacity or revenues of the Partnership Group from the operating capacity or revenues of the Partnership Group existing immediately prior to such transaction.

Acquisition Waiver Period ” means the period of ten consecutive Quarters that commences with the Quarter with respect to which the first Record Date for the payment of the distributions in accordance with Section  6.4 occurs after the Navigator Acquisition Closing; provided that the Acquisition Waiver Period shall not commence earlier than the day immediately preceding the Record Date for the payment of distributions in accordance with Section  6.4 with respect to the Quarter ending June 30, 2017.

Additional Book Basis ” means the portion of any remaining Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property that is attributable to positive adjustments made to such Carrying Value as a result of Book-Up Events. For purposes of determining the extent that Carrying Value constitutes Additional Book Basis:

(i) Any negative adjustment made to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property as a result of either a Book-Down Event or a Book-Up Event shall first be deemed to offset or decrease that portion of the Carrying Value of such Adjusted Property that is attributable to any prior positive adjustments made thereto pursuant to a Book-Up Event or Book-Down Event.

(ii) If Carrying Value that constitutes Additional Book Basis is reduced as a result of a Book-Down Event and the Carrying Value of other property is increased as a result of such Book-Down Event, an allocable portion of any such increase in Carrying Value shall be treated as Additional Book Basis; provided that the amount treated as Additional Book Basis pursuant hereto as a result of such Book-Down Event shall not exceed the amount by which the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments after such Book-Down Event exceeds the remaining Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the Partnership’s Adjusted Property after such Book-Down Event (determined without regard to the application of this clause (ii) to such Book-Down Event).

 

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Additional Book Basis Derivative Items ” means any Book Basis Derivative Items that are computed with reference to Additional Book Basis. To the extent that the Additional Book Basis attributable to all of the Partnership’s Adjusted Property as of the beginning of any taxable period exceeds the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the beginning of such period (the “ Excess Additional Book Basis ”), the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for such period shall be reduced by the amount that bears the same ratio to the amount of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items determined without regard to this sentence as the Excess Additional Book Basis bears to the Additional Book Basis as of the beginning of such period.

Additional Limited Partner ” means a Person admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner pursuant to Section  10.4 and who is shown as such on the books and records of the Partnership.

Adjusted Capital Account ” means the Capital Account maintained for each Partner as of the end of each fiscal year of the Partnership, (a) increased by any amounts that such Partner is obligated to restore under the standards set by Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c) (or is deemed obligated to restore under Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5)) and (b) decreased by (i) the amount of all losses and deductions that, as of the end of such fiscal year, are reasonably expected to be allocated to such Partner in subsequent years under Sections 704(e)(2) and 706(d) of the Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.751-1(b)(2)(ii), and (ii) the amount of all distributions that, as of the end of such fiscal year, are reasonably expected to be made to such Partner in subsequent years in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or otherwise to the extent they exceed offsetting increases to such Partner’s Capital Account that are reasonably expected to occur during (or prior to) the year in which such distributions are reasonably expected to be made (other than increases as a result of a minimum gain chargeback pursuant to Section  6.1(d)(i) or 6.1(d)(ii) ). The foregoing definition of Adjusted Capital Account is intended to comply with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith. The “ Adjusted Capital Account ” of a Partner in respect of a General Partner Interest, a Common Unit, an Incentive Distribution Right or any other specified Partnership Interest shall be the amount which such Adjusted Capital Account would be if such General Partner Interest, Common Unit, Incentive Distribution Right or other Partnership Interest were the only Partnership Interest held by a Partner from and after the date on which such General Partner Interest, Common Unit, Incentive Distribution Right or other Partnership Interest was first issued.

Adjusted Property ” means any property the Carrying Value of which has been adjusted pursuant to Section  5.4(d)(i) or 5.4(d)(ii) .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question (provided that no portfolio company of a Series D Preferred Unitholder, a Series D Converting Unitholder or any of their respective investment advisors shall be considered an Affiliate of such Person); provided, however that no Series D Preferred Unitholder, solely in its capacity as such or as a result of the exercise of its rights with respect thereto, shall be considered an Affiliate of the General Partner for

 

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purposes of Section  7.12 . As used herein, the term “ control ” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, with respect to EIG, a Series D Purchaser and a Permitted Transferee that is an investment fund, investment account or investment company, any other investment fund, investment account or investment company that is managed, advised or sub-advised by the same investment advisor as such Person or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor, shall be considered controlled by, and an Affiliate of, such first Person.

Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments ” means, as of the end of any taxable period, the sum of the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of all the Partners.

Agreed Allocation ” means any allocation, other than a Required Allocation, of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to the provisions of Section  6.1 , including, without limitation, a Curative Allocation (if appropriate to the context in which the term “ Agreed Allocation ” is used).

Agreed Value ” of any Contributed Property means the fair market value of such property or other consideration at the time of contribution as determined by the General Partner using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt. The General Partner shall, in its discretion, use such method as it deems reasonable and appropriate to allocate the aggregate Agreed Value of Contributed Properties contributed to the Partnership in a single or integrated transaction among each separate property on a basis proportional to the fair market value of each Contributed Property.

Agreement ” means this Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., as it may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Antitrust Authority ” means any governmental authority charged with enforcing, applying, administering, or investigating any Antitrust Law, including any attorney general of any state of the United States, the European Commission, the Bureau of Competition in Canada or any other competition authority of any jurisdiction.

Antitrust Law ” means any law designed to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions for the purpose or effect of monopolization, restraining trade or creating or abusing a dominant position or any law requiring the making of any filing to an Antitrust Authority relating to any transaction including a merger, acquisition or joint venture.

Arrears ” means, with respect to Preferred Distributions on any series of Preferred Units for any Preferred Distribution Period (or, with respect to the initial Preferred Distribution, for the initial Preferred Distribution Period with respect to such series), that the full cumulative Preferred Distributions through the most recent Preferred Distribution Payment Date have not been paid on all Outstanding Preferred Units of such series.

 

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Assignee ” means a Non-citizen Assignee or a Person to whom one or more Limited Partner Interests have been transferred in a manner permitted under this Agreement and who has executed and delivered a Transfer Application as required by this Agreement, but who has not been admitted as a Substituted Limited Partner.

Associate ” means, when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, (a) any corporation or organization of which such Person is a director, officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the owner of 20% or more of any class of voting stock or other voting interest; (b) any trust or other estate in which such Person has at least a 20% beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and (c) any relative or spouse of such Person, or any relative of such spouse, who has the same principal residence as such Person.

Available Cash ” means, with respect to any Quarter ending prior to the Liquidation Date, and without duplication:

(a) the sum of (i) all cash and cash equivalents of the Partnership Group on hand at the end of such Quarter, and (ii) all additional cash and cash equivalents of the Partnership Group on hand on the date of determination of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter resulting from Working Capital Borrowings made subsequent to the end of such Quarter, less

(b) the amount of any cash reserves that are necessary or appropriate in the reasonable discretion of the General Partner to (i) provide for the proper conduct of the business of the Partnership Group (including reserves for future capital expenditures and for anticipated future credit needs of the Partnership Group) subsequent to such Quarter, (ii) comply with applicable law or any loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation to which any Group Member is a party or by which it is bound or its assets are subject, (iii) provide funds for Series A Payments, Series B Payments, Series C Payments or Series D Payments, or (iv) provide funds for distributions under Section  6.4 or 6.5 in respect of any one or more of the next four Quarters; provided , however , that the General Partner may not establish cash reserves pursuant to (iv) above if the effect of such reserves would be that the Partnership is unable to distribute the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on all Common Units with respect to such Quarter; and, provided further , that disbursements made by a Group Member or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of such Quarter but on or before the date of determination of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter shall be deemed to have been made, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Available Cash, within such Quarter if the General Partner so determines.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, “ Available Cash ” with respect to the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall equal zero.

Average VWAP ” per Common Unit over a certain period shall mean the arithmetic average of the VWAP per Common Unit for each Trading Day in such period.

 

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Beneficial Owner ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Rule 13d-3 and Rule 13d-5 under the Exchange Act, except that, in calculating the beneficial ownership of any particular “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act), such “person” will be deemed to have beneficial ownership of all securities that such “person” has the right to acquire by conversion or exercise of other securities, whether such right is currently exercisable or is exercisable only after the passage of time.

Board of Directors ” means, with respect to the General Partner, its board of directors or board of managers, as applicable, or, if there is none, the board of directors or board of managers of the general partner of the General Partner or equivalent governing body.

Book Basis Derivative Items ” means any item of income, deduction, gain or loss included in the determination of Net Income or Net Loss that is computed with reference to the Carrying Value of an Adjusted Property (e.g., depreciation, depletion, or gain or loss with respect to an Adjusted Property).

Book-Down Event ” means a Revaluation Event that triggers a negative adjustment to the Capital Accounts of the Partners pursuant to Section  5.4(d) .

Book-Tax Disparity ” means with respect to any item of Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, as of the date of any determination, the difference between the Carrying Value of such Contributed Property or Adjusted Property and the adjusted basis thereof for federal income tax purposes as of such date. A Partner’s share of the Partnership’s Book-Tax Disparities in all of its Contributed Property and Adjusted Property will be reflected by the difference between such Partner’s Capital Account balance as maintained pursuant to Section  5.4 and the hypothetical balance of such Partner’s Capital Account computed as if it had been maintained strictly in accordance with federal income tax accounting principles.

Book-Up Event ” means a Revaluation Event that triggers a positive adjustment to the Capital Accounts of the Partners pursuant to Section  5.4(d) .

Business Day ” means Monday through Friday of each week, except that a legal holiday recognized as such by the government of the United States of America or the states of New York or Texas shall not be regarded as a Business Day.

Calculation Agent ” means, in the case of the Series A Preferred Units and Series B Preferred Units, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, acting in its capacity as calculation agent for the Series A Preferred Units and Series B Preferred Units, and its successors and assigns or any other calculation agent appointed by the General Partner, and in the case of the Series C Preferred Units, the Person appointed by the General Partner prior to the commencement of the Series C Floating Rate Period, acting in its capacity as calculation agent for the Series C Preferred Units, and its successors and assigns or any other calculation agent appointed by the General Partner.

 

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Capital Account ” means the capital account maintained for a Partner pursuant to Section  5.4 . The “ Capital Account ” of a Partner in respect of a General Partner Interest, a Common Unit, an Incentive Distribution Right or any other Partnership Interest shall be the amount which such Capital Account would be if such General Partner Interest, Common Unit, Incentive Distribution Right or other Partnership Interest were the only interest in the Partnership held by a Partner from and after the date on which such General Partner Interest, Common Unit, Incentive Distribution Right or other Partnership Interest was first issued.

Capital Contribution ” means any cash, cash equivalents or the Net Agreed Value of Contributed Property that a Partner has contributed or contributes to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement or the Contribution Agreement.

Capital Improvement ” means any (a) addition or improvement to the capital assets owned by any Group Member or (b) acquisition of existing, or the construction of new, capital assets (including, without limitation, pipeline systems, terminalling and storage facilities and related assets), in each case made to increase the operating capacity or revenues of the Partnership Group from the operating capacity or revenues of the Partnership Group existing immediately prior to such addition, improvement, acquisition or construction.

Capital Surplus ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  6.3(a) .

Carrying Value ” means (a) with respect to a Contributed Property, the Agreed Value of such property reduced (but not below zero) by all depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions charged to the Partners’ and Assignees’ Capital Accounts in respect of such Contributed Property, and (b) with respect to any other Partnership property, the adjusted basis of such property for federal income tax purposes, all as of the time of determination. The Carrying Value of any property shall be adjusted from time to time in accordance with Sections 5.4(d)(i) and 5.4(d)(ii) and to reflect changes, additions or other adjustments to the Carrying Value for dispositions and acquisitions of Partnership properties, as deemed appropriate by the General Partner.

Cause ” means a court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final, non-appealable judgment finding the General Partner liable for actual fraud, gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct in its capacity as general partner of the Partnership.

Certificate ” means a certificate (i) substantially in the form of EXHIBIT A to this Agreement with respect to the Common Units, EXHIBIT B to this Agreement with respect to the Series A Preferred Units, EXHIBIT C to this Agreement with respect to the Series B Preferred Units, EXHIBIT D to this Agreement with respect to the Series C Preferred Units, or EXHIBIT E to this Agreement with respect to the Series D Preferred Units, (ii) issued in global form in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Depositary or (iii) in such other form as may be adopted by the General Partner in its discretion, issued by the Partnership evidencing ownership of one or more Common Units or a certificate, in such form as may be adopted by the General Partner in its discretion, issued by the Partnership evidencing ownership of one or more other Partnership Securities.

 

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Certificate of Limited Partnership ” means the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, as such Certificate of Limited Partnership has previously been amended and may further be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

Change of Control ” means the occurrence of either of the following:

(a) the direct or indirect sale, lease, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than by way of merger, consolidation or business combination), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries taken as a whole to any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) and following such occurrence neither the Partnership nor such person has a class of common equity securities listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange; or

(b) the consummation of any transaction (including, without limitation, any merger, consolidation or business combination), the result of which is that any person (as defined above), other than NuStar GP Holdings and its subsidiaries, becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting interests in the General Partner, measured by voting power rather than percentage of interests, and following such occurrence neither the Partnership nor such person has a class of common equity securities listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange.

Citizenship Certification ” means a properly completed certificate in such form as may be specified by the General Partner by which an Assignee or a Limited Partner certifies that he (and if he is a nominee holding for the account of another Person, that to the best of his knowledge such other Person) is an Eligible Citizen.

Claim ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  7.12(c) .

Closing Date ” means the first date on which Common Units were sold by the Partnership to the Underwriters pursuant to the provisions of the Underwriting Agreement.

Closing Price ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  15.1(a) .

Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and in effect from time to time. Any reference herein to a specific section or sections of the Code shall be deemed to include a reference to any corresponding provision of successor law.

Combined Interest ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  11.3(a) .

Commission ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Common Equity Market Capitalization ” means an amount equal to the product of the number of issued and outstanding Common Units and the average high and low sales price of the Common Units for the Trading Day immediately preceding the applicable determination date.

 

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Common Unit ” means a Partnership Security representing a fractional part of the Partnership Interests of all Limited Partners and Assignees and of the General Partner and having the rights and obligations specified with respect to Common Units in this Agreement. The term “ Common Unit ” does not refer to or include a Preferred Unit prior to its conversion into a Common Unit pursuant to the terms hereof; provided that the Series D Preferred Units shall be entitled to vote together with Outstanding Common Units as a single class, on an “as-if” converted basis, as further described in Section  19.4 .

Common Unit Price ” means (i) the amount of cash consideration per Common Unit, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of Common Units is solely cash; and (ii) the average of the closing prices for Common Units on the NYSE (or other National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are then trading) for the ten consecutive trading days immediately preceding, but not including, the Series A Change of Control Conversion Date, the Series B Change of Control Conversion Date or the Series C Change of Control Conversion Date, as applicable, if the consideration to be received in the Change of Control by the holders of Common Units is other than solely cash.

Competitor ” means any competitor of the Partnership, a substantial portion of whose business involves the transportation of petroleum products or anhydrous ammonia and/or the terminalling, storage and/or marketing of petroleum products (and, for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any entity that is an investment fund, investment account, investment company or other financial sponsor whose primary business involves equity or debt investing) that is included in the list provided to EIG on the date of execution of this Agreement, as such list may be supplemented from time to time by the General Partner acting in good faith to include additional such competitors; provided that any such supplement is delivered in writing to the holders of the Series D Preferred Units.

Conflicts Committee ” means a committee of the board of directors of NuStar GP composed entirely of three or more directors who are not (i) security holders, officers or employees of the General Partner, (ii) officers or employees of any Affiliate of the General Partner, (iii) directors of any Affiliate (other than NuStar GP) of the General Partner or (iv) holders of any ownership interest in the Partnership or any of its Affiliates other than Common Units or Preferred Units who also meet the independence standards required to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors by the National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are listed for trading.

Contributed Property ” means each property or other asset, in such form as may be permitted by the Delaware Act, but excluding cash, contributed to the Partnership. Once the Carrying Value of a Contributed Property is adjusted pursuant to Section  5.4(d) , such property shall no longer constitute a Contributed Property, but shall be deemed an Adjusted Property.

Contribution Agreement ” means that certain Contribution Agreement, dated as of the Closing Date, among the General Partner, the Partnership, the Operating Partnership and certain other parties, together with the additional conveyance documents and instruments contemplated or referenced thereunder.

 

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Credit Facility ” means one or more revolving credit facilities (including, without limitation, the Amended and Restated 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 29, 2014, among NuStar Logistics, L.P., the Partnership, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, SunTrust Bank and Mizuho Bank, Ltd., as Co-Syndication Agents, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and PNC Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., Wells Fargo Securities, LLC and PNC Capital Markets LLC, as Joint Bookrunners and Joint Lead Arrangers) providing for revolving credit loans and/or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, extended, increased, refunded, replaced (whether upon or after termination or otherwise) or refinanced, in whole or in part, from time to time; provided , that at least $500 million of the commitments under the Credit Facility are represented by traditional commercial banks.

Curative Allocation ” means any allocation of an item of income, gain, deduction, loss or credit pursuant to the provisions of Section  6.1(d)(x) .

Current Market Price ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  15.1(a) .

Delaware Act ” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, 6 Del. C. §17-101, et seq., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Departing Partner ” means a former General Partner from and after the effective date of any withdrawal or removal of such former General Partner pursuant to Section  11.1 or 11.2 .

Depositary ” means, with respect to any Partnership Securities issued in global form, The Depository Trust Company and its successors and permitted assigns.

Disposed of Adjusted Property ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  6.1(d)(xi)(B) .

Economic Risk of Loss ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-2(a).

EIG ” means, collectively, EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC.

Eligible Citizen ” means a Person qualified to own interests in real property in jurisdictions in which any Group Member does business or proposes to do business from time to time, and whose status as a Limited Partner or Assignee does not or would not subject such Group Member to a significant risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any of its properties or any interest therein.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

 

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Event of Withdrawal ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  11.1(a) .

First Liquidation Target Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  6.1(c)(i)(D) .

First Target Distribution ” means $0.66 per Unit per Quarter, subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 6.6 and 6.10 .

General Partner ” means Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and its successors and permitted assigns as general partner of the Partnership.

General Partner Interest ” means the ownership interest of the General Partner in the Partnership (in its capacity as a general partner without reference to any Limited Partner Interest held by it) which may be evidenced by Partnership Securities or a combination thereof or interest therein, and includes any and all benefits to which the General Partner is entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of the General Partner to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

Group ” means a Person that with or through any of its Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except voting pursuant to a revocable proxy or consent given to such Person in response to a proxy or consent solicitation made to 10 or more Persons) or disposing of any Partnership Securities with any other Person that beneficially owns, or whose Affiliates or Associates beneficially own, directly or indirectly, Partnership Securities.

Group Member ” means a member of the Partnership Group.

Holder ” as used in Section  7.12 , has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  7.12(a) .

Incentive Distribution Right ” means a non-voting Limited Partner Interest issued to the General Partner in connection with the transfer of substantially all of its general partner interest in the Operating Partnership to the Partnership, which Partnership Interest confers upon the holder thereof only the rights and obligations specifically provided in this Agreement with respect to Incentive Distribution Rights (and no other rights otherwise available to or other obligations of a holder of a Partnership Interest). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the holder of an Incentive Distribution Right shall not be entitled to vote such Incentive Distribution Right on any Partnership matter except as may otherwise be required by law.

Incentive Distributions ” means any amount of cash distributed to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to Section  6.4 .

Indemnified Persons ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  7.12(c) .

Indemnitee ” means (a) the General Partner, (b) any Departing Partner, (c) any Person who is or was an Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing Partner, (d) any Person who is or was a member, partner, officer, director, employee, agent or trustee of

 

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any Group Member, the General Partner or any Departing Partner or any Affiliate of any Group Member, the General Partner or any Departing Partner, and (e) any Person who is or was serving at the request of the General Partner or any Departing Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner or any Departing Partner as an officer, director, employee, member, partner, agent, fiduciary or trustee of another Person; provided , that a Person shall not be an Indemnitee by reason of providing, on a fee-for-services basis, trustee, fiduciary or custodial services.

Initial Common Units ” means the Common Units sold in the Initial Offering.

Initial Offering ” means the initial offering and sale of Common Units to the public, as described in the Registration Statement.

Initial Unit Price ” means (a) with respect to the Common Units, the initial public offering price per Common Unit at which the Underwriters offered the Common Units to the public for sale as set forth on the cover page of the prospectus included as part of the Registration Statement and first issued at or after the time the Registration Statement first became effective or (b) with respect to any other class or series of Units, the price per Unit at which such class or series of Units is initially sold by the Partnership, as determined by the General Partner, in each case adjusted as the General Partner determines to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision or combination of Units.

Interim Capital Transactions ” means the following transactions if they occur prior to the Liquidation Date: (a) borrowings, refinancings or refundings of indebtedness and sales of debt securities (other than Working Capital Borrowings and other than for items purchased on open account in the ordinary course of business) by any Group Member; (b) sales of equity interests by any Group Member (including the Common Units sold to the Underwriters pursuant to the exercise of their over-allotment option); and (c) sales or other voluntary or involuntary dispositions of any assets of any Group Member other than (i) sales or other dispositions of inventory, accounts receivable and other assets in the ordinary course of business, and (ii) sales or other dispositions of assets as part of normal retirements or replacements.

Junior Securities ” means (i) the Common Units and (ii) any other class or series of Partnership Interests established after November 25, 2016 by the General Partner, the terms of which class or series do not expressly provide that it is made senior to or on parity with the Series A Preferred Units, Series B Preferred Units, Series C Preferred Units and Series D Preferred Units as to the right to distributions of cash or property or distributions upon any dissolution or liquidation pursuant to Article  XII .

Limited Partner ” means, unless the context otherwise requires, (a) each Person that is or becomes a Limited Partner pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including each Substituted Limited Partner, each Additional Limited Partner and any Partner upon the change of its status from General Partner to Limited Partner pursuant to Section  11.3 or (b) solely for purposes of Articles V , VI , VII and IX and Sections 12.3 and 12.4 , each Assignee; provided, however , that when the term “ Limited Partner ” is (i) used herein in

 

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the context of Section  5.1(b) , such term shall not, solely for such purpose, include any Preferred Holder with respect to a Preferred Unit, (ii) used herein in the context of any vote or other approval, including without limitation Article  XIII and XIV , such term shall not, solely for such purpose, include any holder of an Incentive Distribution Right with respect to such Incentive Distribution Right except as may otherwise be required by law and (iii) used herein in the context of any vote or other approval, including without limitation Articles XIII (other than Sections 13.3(c) , 13.4 , 13.5 , 13.6 , 13.8 , 13.9 , 13.10 , 13.11 , 13.12(b) , 13.12(c) , 13.12(d) , 13.12(e) and Section  13.12(f) ) and XIV , such term shall not, solely for such purpose, include a Series A Holder, Series B Holder or Series C Holder with respect to its Series A Preferred Units, Series B Preferred Units or Series C Preferred Units, as applicable.

Limited Partner Interest ” means the ownership interest of a Limited Partner or Assignee in the Partnership, which may be evidenced by Common Units, Preferred Units, Incentive Distribution Rights or other Partnership Securities or a combination thereof or interest therein, and includes any and all benefits to which such Limited Partner or Assignee is entitled as provided in this Agreement, together with all obligations of such Limited Partner or Assignee to comply with the terms and provisions of this Agreement; provided , however , that when the term “ Limited Partner Interest ” is (i) used herein in the context of Section  5.1(b) , such term shall not, solely for such purpose, include any Preferred Unit, (ii) used herein in the context of any vote or other approval, including without limitation Articles XIII and XIV , such term shall not, solely for such purpose, include any Incentive Distribution Right except as may otherwise be required by law and (iii)  used herein in the context of any vote or other approval, including without limitation Articles XIII (other than Sections 13.3(c) , 13.4 , 13.5 , 13.6 , 13.8 , 13.9 , 13.10 , 13.11 , 13.12(b) , 13.12(c) , 13.12(d) , 13.12(e) and Section  13.12(f) ) and XIV , such term shall not, solely for such purpose, include Series A Preferred Units, Series B Preferred Units or Series C Preferred Units.

Liquidation Date ” means (a) in the case of an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership of the type described in clauses (a) and (b) of the first sentence of Section  12.2 , the date on which the applicable time period during which the holders of Outstanding Units have the right to elect to reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business has expired without such an election being made, and (b) in the case of any other event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership, the date on which such event occurs.

Liquidator ” means one or more Persons selected by the General Partner to perform the functions described in Section  12.3 as liquidating trustee of the Partnership within the meaning of the Delaware Act.

London Business Day ” means any day on which dealings in deposits in U.S. dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.

Material Subsidiaries ” means each of the Partnership’s “significant subsidiaries,” as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.

 

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Merger Agreement ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  14.1 .

Minimum Quarterly Distribution ” means $0.60 per Unit per Quarter, subject to adjustment in accordance with Sections 6.6 and 6.10 .

Navigator Acquisition Closing ” means the consummation of the acquisition contemplated by the Navigator Agreement by the Operating Partnership or one of its Affiliates.

Navigator Agreement ” means that Membership Interest Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of April 11, 2017, between the Partnership, the Operating Partnership and FR Navigator Holdings LLC, as the same may be amended in accordance with its terms.

National Securities Exchange ” means an exchange registered with the Commission under Section 6(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time, and any successor to such statute.

Net Agreed Value ” means, (a) in the case of any Contributed Property, the Agreed Value of such property reduced by any liabilities either assumed by the Partnership upon such contribution or to which such property is subject when contributed, and (b) in the case of any property distributed to a Partner or Assignee by the Partnership, the Partnership’s Carrying Value of such property (as adjusted pursuant to Section  5.4(d)(ii) ) at the time such property is distributed, reduced by any indebtedness either assumed by such Partner or Assignee upon such distribution or to which such property is subject at the time of distribution, in either case, as determined under Section 752 of the Code.

Net Income ” means, for any taxable year, the excess, if any, of the Partnership’s items of income and gain (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable year over the Partnership’s items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable year. The items included in the calculation of Net Income shall be determined in accordance with Section  5.4(b) and shall not include any items specially allocated under Section  6.1(d) ; provided that the determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section  6.1(d) shall be made as if Section  6.1(d)(xi) were not in this Agreement.

Net Loss ” means, for any taxable year, the excess, if any, of the Partnership’s items of loss and deduction (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable year over the Partnership’s items of income and gain (other than those items taken into account in the computation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss) for such taxable year. The items included in the calculation of Net Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section  5.4(b) and shall not include any items specially allocated under Section  6.1(d) ; provided that the determination of the items that have been specially allocated under Section  6.1(d) shall be made as if Section  6.1(d)(xi) were not in this Agreement.

 

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Net Positive Adjustments ” means, with respect to any Partner, the excess, if any, of the total positive adjustments over the total negative adjustments made to the Capital Account of such Partner pursuant to Book-Up Events and Book-Down Events.

Net Termination Gain ” means, for any taxable year, the sum, if positive, of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership (a) after the Liquidation Date or (b) upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (excluding any disposition to a member of the Partnership Group). The items included in the determination of Net Termination Gain shall be determined in accordance with Section  5.4(b) and shall not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section  6.1(d) .

Net Termination Loss ” means, for any taxable year, the sum, if negative, of all items of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership (a) after the Liquidation Date or (b) upon the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership Group, taken as a whole, in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (excluding any disposition to a member of the Partnership Group). The items included in the determination of Net Termination Loss shall be determined in accordance with Section  5.4(b) and shall not include any items of income, gain or loss specially allocated under Section  6.1(d) .

Non-citizen Assignee ” means a Person whom the General Partner has determined in its discretion does not constitute an Eligible Citizen and as to whose Partnership Interest the General Partner has become the Substituted Limited Partner, pursuant to Section  4.9 .

Noncompensatory Option ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.721-2(f).

Nonrecourse Built-in Gain ” means with respect to any Contributed Properties or Adjusted Properties that are subject to a mortgage or pledge securing a Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of any taxable gain that would be allocated to the Partners pursuant to Sections 6.2(b)(i)(A) , 6.2(b)(ii)(A) and 6.2(b)(iii) if such properties were disposed of in a taxable transaction in full satisfaction of such liabilities and for no other consideration.

Nonrecourse Deductions ” means any and all items of loss, deduction or expenditures (including, without limitation, any expenditures described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b), are attributable to a Nonrecourse Liability.

Nonrecourse Liability ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-1(a)(2).

 

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Notice of Election to Purchase ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  15.1(b) .

NuStar GP ” means NuStar GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the General Partner.

NuStar GP Holdings ” means NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and its successors and permitted assigns as sole or managing member of NuStar GP.

NYSE ” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Operating Expenditures ” means all Partnership Group expenditures, including, but not limited to, taxes, reimbursements of the General Partner, repayment of Working Capital Borrowings, debt service payments, and capital expenditures, subject to the following:

(a) Payments (including prepayments) of principal and premium on indebtedness other than Working Capital Borrowings shall not constitute Operating Expenditures; and

(b) Operating Expenditures shall not include (i) capital expenditures made for Acquisitions or Capital Improvements, (ii) payment of transaction expenses relating to Interim Capital Transactions, (iii) Series A Redemption Payments, (iv) Series B Redemption Payments, (v) Series C Redemption Payments, (vi) Series D Redemption Payments, (vii) payments made to Preferred Holders to purchase or otherwise acquire Preferred Units, and (viii) distributions to Partners. Where capital expenditures are made in part for Acquisitions or for Capital Improvements and in part for other purposes, the General Partner’s good faith allocation between the amounts paid for each shall be conclusive.

Operating General Partner ” means NuStar GP, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership, and any successors and permitted assigns as the general partner of NuStar Logistics, L.P.

Operating Partnership ” means NuStar Logistics, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and such other Persons that are treated as partnerships for federal income tax purposes that are majority-owned by the Partnership and controlled by the Partnership (whether by direct or indirect ownership of the general partner of such Person or otherwise) and established or acquired for the purpose of conducting the business of the Partnership.

Operating Partnership Agreement ” means the agreement of limited partnership of any Operating Partnership that is a limited partnership, or any limited liability company agreement of any Operating Partnership that is a limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, as such may be amended, supplemented or restated from time to time.

 

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Operating Surplus ” means, with respect to any period ending prior to the Liquidation Date, on a cumulative basis and without duplication,

(a) the sum of (i) $10 million plus all cash and cash equivalents of the Partnership Group on hand as of the close of business on the Closing Date, (ii) all cash receipts of the Partnership Group for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending with the last day of such period, other than cash receipts from Interim Capital Transactions (except to the extent specified in Section  6.5 ) and (iii) all cash receipts of the Partnership Group after the end of such period but on or before the date of determination of Operating Surplus with respect to such period resulting from Working Capital Borrowings, less

(b) the sum of (i) Operating Expenditures for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending with the last day of such period and (ii) the amount of cash reserves that is necessary or advisable in the reasonable discretion of the General Partner to provide funds for future Operating Expenditures; provided , however , that disbursements made (including contributions to a Group Member or disbursements on behalf of a Group Member) or cash reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of such period but on or before the date of determination of Available Cash with respect to such period shall be deemed to have been made, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Operating Surplus, within such period if the General Partner so determines.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, “ Operating Surplus ” with respect to the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs and any subsequent Quarter shall equal zero.

Opinion of Counsel ” means a written opinion of counsel (who may be regular counsel to the Partnership or the General Partner or any of its Affiliates) acceptable to the General Partner in its reasonable discretion.

Outstanding ” means, with respect to Partnership Securities, all Partnership Securities that are issued by the Partnership and reflected as outstanding on the Partnership’s books and records as of the date of determination; provided , however , that if at any time any Person or Group (other than the General Partner or its Affiliates) beneficially owns 20% or more of any Outstanding Partnership Securities of any class then Outstanding, all Partnership Securities owned by such Person or Group shall not be voted on any matter and shall not be considered to be Outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of Limited Partners to vote on any matter (unless otherwise required by law), calculating required votes, determining the presence of a quorum or for other similar purposes under this Agreement; provided , further , that the foregoing limitation shall not apply (i) subject to the provisions of (iii) below, to any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of any Outstanding Partnership Securities of any class then Outstanding directly from the General Partner or its Affiliates, (ii) to any Person or Group who acquired 20% or more of any Outstanding Partnership Securities of any class then Outstanding directly or indirectly from a Person or Group described in clause (i), provided that the General Partner shall have notified such Person or Group in writing that such limitation shall not apply, or (iii) with respect to the Series D Subject Units, so long

 

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as such Series D Subject Units are held by the Series D Purchasers or Affiliates of the Series D Purchasers, provided that if EIG, the Series D Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates has or acquires beneficial ownership of any additional Partnership Securities or becomes part of a Group that beneficially owns additional Partnership Securities, all of such additional Partnership Securities (but not the Series D Subject Units), collectively, will be subject to the foregoing limitation, taking into account all Partnership Securities (including the Series D Subject Units), collectively, beneficially owned by such Persons or Group, provided further that any transferee that receives from EIG, the Series D Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates any Series D Subject Units shall be subject to the foregoing limitation with respect to such Series D Subject Units and any additional Partnership Securities held or acquired by such transferee. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, for purposes of clause (i) above, none of EIG, the Series D Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates or any such transferee of the Series D Subject Units shall be considered an Affiliate of the General Partner.

Over-Allotment Option ” means the over-allotment option granted to the Underwriters by the Partnership pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement.

Parity Securities ” means the Series A Preferred Units, the Series B Preferred Units, the Series C Preferred Units, the Series D Preferred Units and any other class or series of Partnership Interests established after November 25, 2016 by the General Partner, the terms of which class or series expressly provide that it ranks on parity with the Series A Preferred Units, the Series B Preferred Units, the Series C Preferred Units and the Series D Preferred Units as to distributions and amounts payable upon a dissolution or liquidation pursuant to Article  XII .

Parity Units ” means Common Units and all other Units of any other class or series that have the right to (i) receive distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus pro rata with distributions of the Minimum Quarterly Distribution on the Common Units and (ii) receive allocations of Net Termination Gain pro rata with allocations of Net Termination Gain to the Common Units pursuant to Section  6.1(c)(i)(B) , in each case regardless of whether the amounts or value so distributed or allocated on each Parity Unit equals the amount or value so distributed or allocated on each Common Unit. Units whose participation in such (i) distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus and (ii) allocations of Net Termination Gain are subordinate in order of priority to such distributions and allocations on Common Units shall not constitute Parity Units even if such Units are convertible under certain circumstances into Common Units or Parity Units.

Partner Nonrecourse Debt ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(b)(4).

Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(2).

 

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Partner Nonrecourse Deductions ” means any and all items of loss, deduction or expenditure (including, without limitation, any expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code) that, in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i), are attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt.

Partners ” means the General Partner and the Limited Partners.

Partnership ” means NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and any successors thereto.

Partnership Group ” means the Partnership, the Operating Partnership and any Subsidiary of any such entity, treated as a single consolidated entity.

Partnership Interest ” means an interest in the Partnership, which shall include the General Partner Interest and Limited Partner Interests.

Partnership Minimum Gain ” means that amount determined in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(d).

Partnership Security ” means any class or series of equity interest in the Partnership (but excluding any options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to an equity interest in the Partnership), including without limitation, Common Units, Incentive Distribution Rights and Preferred Units.

Paying Agent ” means the Transfer Agent, acting in its capacity as paying agent for the Preferred Units, and its respective successors and assigns or any other paying agent appointed by the General Partner; provided, however , that if no Paying Agent is specifically designated for any series of Preferred Units, the General Partner shall act in such capacity.

Percentage Interest ” means as of any date of determination (a) as to the General Partner (with respect to its General Partner Interest), 2% and (b) as to any Unitholder or Assignee holding Units, the product obtained by multiplying (i) 98% less the percentage applicable to paragraph (c) by (ii) the quotient obtained by dividing (A) the number of Units held by such Unitholder or Assignee by (B) the total number of all Outstanding Units, and (c) as to holders of additional Partnership Securities issued by the Partnership in accordance with Section  5.5 , the percentage established as a part of such issuance. The Percentage Interest with respect to an Incentive Distribution Right, a Series A Preferred Unit, a Series B Preferred Unit, a Series C Preferred Unit and a Series D Preferred Unit shall at all times be zero.

Permitted Transferee ” means those Persons set forth on Schedule C to the Series D Purchase Agreement.

Person ” means an individual or a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, government agency or political subdivision thereof or other entity.

 

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Preferred Holder ” means, with respect to a series of Preferred Units, a Record Holder of such series of Preferred Units.

Preferred Distributions ” means Series A Distributions, Series B Distributions, Series C Distributions or Series D Distributions, as applicable.

Preferred Distribution Payment Date ” means the Series A Distribution Payment Date, Series B Distribution Payment Date, Series C Distribution Payment Date or Series D Distribution Payment Date, as applicable.

Preferred Distribution Period ” means the Series A Distribution Period, Series B Distribution Period, Series C Distribution Period or Series D Distribution Period, as applicable.

Preferred Units ” means a Partnership Interest designated as a “Preferred Unit,” including the Series A Preferred Units, Series B Preferred Units, Series C Preferred Units and Series D Preferred Units, which entitles the holder thereof to a preference with respect to distributions over Junior Securities.

Pro Rata ” means (a) when modifying Units or any class thereof, apportioned equally among all designated Units in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, (b) when modifying Partners and Assignees, apportioned among all Partners and Assignees in accordance with their relative Percentage Interests, (c) when modifying holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, apportioned equally among all holders of Incentive Distribution Rights in accordance with the relative number of Incentive Distribution Rights held by each such holder, and (d) when used with respect to Preferred Units or any class or series thereof, apportioned among all such Preferred Units in accordance with the relative number or percentage of such Preferred Units.

Purchase Date ” means the date determined by the General Partner as the date for purchase of all Outstanding Units of a certain class (other than Units owned by the General Partner and its Affiliates) pursuant to Article  XV .

Quarter ” means, unless the context requires otherwise, a fiscal quarter of the Partnership.

Recapture Income ” means any gain recognized by the Partnership (computed without regard to any adjustment required by Section 734 or Section 743 of the Code) upon the disposition of any property or asset of the Partnership, which gain is characterized as ordinary income because it represents the recapture of deductions previously taken with respect to such property or asset.

Rating Agency ” means any nationally recognized statistical rating organization (within the meaning of Section 3(a)(62) of the Exchange Act) that publishes a rating for the Partnership.

 

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Record Date ” means the date established by the General Partner for determining (a) the identity of the Record Holders entitled to notice of, or to vote at, any meeting of Limited Partners or entitled to vote by ballot or give approval of Partnership action in writing without a meeting or entitled to exercise rights in respect of any lawful action of Limited Partners or (b) the identity of Record Holders entitled to receive any report or distribution or to participate in any offer.

Record Holder ” means the Person in whose name a Common Unit is registered on the books of the Transfer Agent as of the opening of business on a particular Business Day, or with respect to other Partnership Securities, the Person in whose name any such other Partnership Security is registered on the books which the Transfer Agent or the General Partner, as applicable, has caused to be kept as of the opening of business on such Business Day.

Redeemable Interests ” means any Partnership Interests for which a redemption notice has been given, and has not been withdrawn, pursuant to Section  4.10 .

Registration Statement ” means the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-43668) as it has been or as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, filed by the Partnership with the Commission under the Securities Act to register the offering and sale of the Common Units in the Initial Offering.

Remaining Net Positive Adjustments ” means as of the end of any taxable period, (i) with respect to the Unitholders holding Common Units, the excess of (a) the Net Positive Adjustments of the Unitholders holding Common Units as of the end of such period over (b) the sum of those Partners’ Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for each prior taxable period, (ii) with respect to the General Partner (as holder of the General Partner Interest), the excess of (a) the Net Positive Adjustments of the General Partner as of the end of such period over (b) the sum of the General Partner’s Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to the General Partner Interest for each prior taxable period, and (iii) with respect to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, the excess of (a) the Net Positive Adjustments of the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights as of the end of such period over (b) the sum of the Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items of the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights for each prior taxable period.

Required Allocations ” means (a) any limitation imposed on any allocation of Net Losses or Net Termination Losses under Section  6.1(b) or 6.1(c)(ii) and (b) any allocation of an item of income, gain, loss or deduction pursuant to Section  6.1(d)(i) , 6.1(d)(ii) , 6.1(d)(iv) , 6.1(d)(vii) or 6.1(d)(ix) .

Residual Gain ” or “ Residual Loss ” means any item of gain or loss, as the case may be, of the Partnership recognized for federal income tax purposes resulting from a sale, exchange or other disposition of a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, to the extent such item of gain or loss is not allocated pursuant to Section  6.2(b)(i)(A) or Section  6.2(b)(ii)(A) respectively, to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.

 

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Reuters Page LIBOR01 ” means the display so designated on the Reuters 3000 Xtra (or such other page as may replace the LIBOR01 page on that service, or such other service as may be nominated by the British Bankers’ Association for the purpose of displaying London interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits).

Revaluation Event ” means an event that results in adjustment of the Carrying Value of each Partnership property pursuant to Section  5.4(d) .

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time and any successor to such statute.

Senior Securities ” means any class or series of Partnership Interests established after November 25, 2016 by the General Partner, the terms of which class or series expressly provide that it ranks senior to the Series A Preferred Units, Series B Preferred Units, Series C Preferred Units and Series D Preferred Units as to the right to distributions of cash or property or distributions upon any dissolution or liquidation pursuant to Article  XII .

Series  A Alternative Conversion Consideration ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.11(d) .

Series  A Change of Control Conversion Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  16.11(a) .

Series  A Change of Control Conversion Right ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.11(a) .

Series  A Common Unit Conversion Consideration ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.11(a) .

Series  A Conversion Common Units ” means Common Units issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Units pursuant to Section  16.11(a) .

Series  A Conversion Ratio ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.11(c) .

Series  A Current Criteria ” means the equity credit criteria of a Rating Agency for securities such as the Series A Preferred Units, as such criteria are in effect as of the Series A Original Issue Date.

Series  A Distribution Payment Date ” means the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on March 15, 2017; provided, however, that if any Series A Distribution Payment Date would otherwise occur on a day that is not a Business Day, such Series A Distribution Payment Date shall instead be on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

Series  A Distribution Period ” means a period of time from and including the preceding Series A Distribution Payment Date (other than the initial Series A Distribution Period, which shall commence on and include the Series A Original Issue Date), to but excluding the next Series A Distribution Payment Date for such Series A Distribution Period.

 

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Series  A Distribution Rate ” means an annual rate equal to (i) during the Series A Fixed Rate Period, 8.50% of the Series A Liquidation Preference and (ii) during the Series A Floating Rate Period, a percentage of the Series A Liquidation Preference equal to the sum of (a) the Series A Three-Month LIBOR, as calculated on each applicable Series A LIBOR Determination Date, and (b) 6.766%.

Series  A Distribution Record Date ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.3(b) .

Series  A Distributions ” means distributions with respect to Series A Preferred Units pursuant to Section  16.3 .

Series  A Fixed Rate Period ” means the period from and including the Series A Original Issue Date to, but not including, December 15, 2021.

Series  A Floating Rate Period ” means the period from and including December 15, 2021 and thereafter until such time as all of the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units are redeemed in accordance with Section  16.5 or are converted in accordance with Section  16.11 .

Series  A Holder ” means a Record Holder of Series A Preferred Units.

Series  A LIBOR Determination Date ” means the London Business Day immediately preceding the first date of each relevant Series A Distribution Period.

Series  A Liquidation Preference ” means a liquidation preference for each Series A Preferred Unit initially equal to $25.00 per unit, which liquidation preference shall be subject to increase by the per Series A Preferred Unit amount of any accumulated and unpaid Series A Distributions (whether or not such distributions shall have been declared).

Series  A Original Issue Date ” means November 25, 2016.

Series  A Payments ” means, collectively, Series A Distributions and Series A Redemption Payments.

Series  A Preferred Unit ” means a Preferred Unit having the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties set forth in Article  XVI .

Series  A Rating Event ” means a change by any Rating Agency to the Series A Current Criteria, which change results in (i) any shortening of the length of time for which the Series A Current Criteria are scheduled to be in effect with respect to the Series A Preferred Units, or (ii) a lower equity credit being given to the Series A Preferred Units than the equity credit that would have been assigned to the Series A Preferred Units by such Rating Agency pursuant to its Series A Current Criteria.

Series  A Redemption Date ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.5(a) .

 

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Series  A Redemption Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.5(b) .

Series  A Redemption Payments ” means payments to be made to the holders of Series A Preferred Units to redeem Series A Preferred Units in accordance with Section  16.5 .

Series  A Redemption Price ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.5(a) .

Series  A Three-Month LIBOR ” has the meaning set forth in Section  16.3(c) .

Series  A Unit Cap ” has the meaning given such term in Section  16.11(c) .

Series  B Alternative Conversion Consideration ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.11(d) .

Series  B Change of Control Conversion Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  17.11(a) .

Series  B Change of Control Conversion Right ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.11(a) .

Series  B Common Unit Conversion Consideration ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.11(a) .

Series  B Conversion Common Units ” means Common Units issued upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Units pursuant to Section  17.11(a) .

Series  B Conversion Ratio ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.11(c) .

Series  B Current Criteria ” means the equity credit criteria of a Rating Agency for securities such as the Series B Preferred Units, as such criteria are in effect as of the Series B Original Issue Date.

Series  B Distribution Payment Date ” means the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on September 15, 2017; provided, however, that if any Series B Distribution Payment Date would otherwise occur on a day that is not a Business Day, such Series B Distribution Payment Date shall instead be on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

Series  B Distribution Period ” means a period of time from and including the preceding Series B Distribution Payment Date (other than the initial Series B Distribution Period, which shall commence on and include the Series B Original Issue Date), to but excluding the next Series B Distribution Payment Date for such Series B Distribution Period.

 

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Series  B Distribution Rate ” means an annual rate equal to (i) during the Series B Fixed Rate Period, 7.625% of the Series B Liquidation Preference and (ii) during the Series B Floating Rate Period, a percentage of the Series B Liquidation Preference equal to the sum of (a) the Series B Three-Month LIBOR, as calculated on each applicable Series B LIBOR Determination Date, and (b) 5.643%.

Series  B Distribution Record Date ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.3(b) .

Series  B Distributions ” means distributions with respect to Series B Preferred Units pursuant to Section  17.3 .

Series  B Fixed Rate Period ” means the period from and including the Series B Original Issue Date to, but not including, June 15, 2022.

Series  B Floating Rate Period ” means the period from and including June 15, 2022 and thereafter until such time as all of the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units are redeemed in accordance with Section  17.5 or are converted in accordance with Section  17.11 .

Series  B Holder ” means a Record Holder of Series B Preferred Units.

Series  B LIBOR Determination Date ” means the London Business Day immediately preceding the first date of each relevant Series B Distribution Period.

Series  B Liquidation Preference ” means a liquidation preference for each Series B Preferred Unit initially equal to $25.00 per unit, which liquidation preference shall be subject to increase by the per Series B Preferred Unit amount of any accumulated and unpaid Series B Distributions (whether or not such distributions shall have been declared).

Series  B Original Issue Date ” means April 28, 2017.

Series  B Payments ” means, collectively, Series B Distributions and Series B Redemption Payments.

Series  B Preferred Unit ” means a Preferred Unit having the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties set forth in Article  XVII .

Series  B Rating Event ” means a change by any Rating Agency to the Series B Current Criteria, which change results in (i) any shortening of the length of time for which the Series B Current Criteria are scheduled to be in effect with respect to the Series B Preferred Units, or (ii) a lower equity credit being given to the Series B Preferred Units than the equity credit that would have been assigned to the Series B Preferred Units by such Rating Agency pursuant to its Series B Current Criteria.

Series  B Redemption Date ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.5(a) .

 

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Series  B Redemption Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.5(b) .

Series  B Redemption Payments ” means payments to be made to the holders of Series B Preferred Units to redeem Series B Preferred Units in accordance with Section  17.5 .

Series  B Redemption Price ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.5(a) .

Series  B Three-Month LIBOR ” has the meaning set forth in Section  17.3(c) .

Series  B Unit Cap ” has the meaning given such term in Section  17.11(c) .

Series  C Alternative Conversion Consideration ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.11(d) .

Series  C Change of Control Conversion Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  18.11(a) .

Series  C Change of Control Conversion Right ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.11(a) .

Series  C Common Unit Conversion Consideration ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.11(a) .

Series  C Conversion Common Units ” means Common Units issued upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Units pursuant to Section  18.11(a) .

Series  C Conversion Ratio ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.11(c) .

Series  C Current Criteria ” means the equity credit criteria of a Rating Agency for securities such as the Series C Preferred Units, as such criteria are in effect as of the Series C Original Issue Date.

Series  C Distribution Payment Date ” means the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on March 15, 2018; provided, however, that if any Series C Distribution Payment Date would otherwise occur on a day that is not a Business Day, such Series C Distribution Payment Date shall instead be on the immediately succeeding Business Day.

Series  C Distribution Period ” means a period of time from and including the preceding Series C Distribution Payment Date (other than the initial Series C Distribution Period, which shall commence on and include the Series C Original Issue Date), to but excluding the next Series C Distribution Payment Date for such Series C Distribution Period.

 

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Series  C Distribution Rate ” means an annual rate equal to (i) during the Series C Fixed Rate Period, 9.00% of the Series C Liquidation Preference and (ii) during the Series C Floating Rate Period, a percentage of the Series C Liquidation Preference equal to the sum of (a) the Series C Three-Month LIBOR, as calculated on each applicable Series C LIBOR Determination Date, and (b) 6.88%.

Series  C Distribution Record Date ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.3(b) .

Series  C Distributions ” means distributions with respect to Series C Preferred Units pursuant to Section  18.3 .

Series  C Fixed Rate Period ” means the period from and including the Series C Original Issue Date to, but not including, December 15, 2022.

Series  C Floating Rate Period ” means the period from and including December 15, 2022 and thereafter until such time as all of the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units are redeemed in accordance with Section  18.5 or are converted in accordance with Section  18.11 .

Series  C Holder ” means a Record Holder of Series C Preferred Units.

Series  C LIBOR Determination Date ” means the London Business Day immediately preceding the first date of each relevant Series C Distribution Period.

Series  C Liquidation Preference ” means a liquidation preference for each Series C Preferred Unit initially equal to $25.00 per unit, which liquidation preference shall be subject to increase by the per Series C Preferred Unit amount of any accumulated and unpaid Series C Distributions (whether or not such distributions shall have been declared).

Series  C Original Issue Date ” means November 30, 2017.

Series  C Payments ” means, collectively, Series C Distributions and Series C Redemption Payments.

Series  C Preferred Unit ” means a Preferred Unit having the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties set forth in Article  XVIII .

Series  C Rating Event ” means a change by any Rating Agency to the Series C Current Criteria, which change results in (i) any shortening of the length of time for which the Series C Current Criteria are scheduled to be in effect with respect to the Series C Preferred Units, or (ii) a lower equity credit being given to the Series C Preferred Units than the equity credit that would have been assigned to the Series C Preferred Units by such Rating Agency pursuant to its Series C Current Criteria.

Series  C Redemption Date ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.5(a) .

 

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Series  C Redemption Notice ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.5(b) .

Series  C Redemption Payments ” means payments to be made to the holders of Series C Preferred Units to redeem Series C Preferred Units in accordance with Section  18.5 .

Series  C Redemption Price ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.5(a) .

Series  C Three-Month LIBOR ” has the meaning set forth in Section  18.3(c) .

Series  C Unit Cap ” has the meaning given such term in Section  18.11(c) .

Series D Change of Control ” means the occurrence of any of the following:

 

  (a) an acquisition (including by merger), the result of which is that any “person” (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) or Group that is not an Affiliate of the Partnership as of the Series D Initial Closing Date becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 50% or more of the voting interests of the General Partner or, if the Limited Partners are entitled to vote in the election of the Board of Directors, 50% or more of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests (in each case, as measured by voting power rather than the number of interests, units or the like, but taking into account the limitations contained in the definition of “ Outstanding ”) if such acquisition gives such person (as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) or Group, directly or indirectly, the right to elect more than half of the members of the Board of Directors;

 

  (b) any sale, lease, exchange, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any other person (as defined in clause (a) of this definition), other than a direct or indirect Subsidiary of the Partnership; or

 

  (c) the Common Units cease to be listed for, or admitted to, trading on a National Securities Exchange;

provided, however, that the acquisition by the Partnership of NuStar GP Holdings shall not constitute a Series D Change of Control.

Series D COC Conversion Ratio ” means, as adjusted pursuant to Section  19.6(d), the number of Common Units issuable upon the conversion of each Series D Preferred Unit pursuant to Section  19.7 , which shall be equal to (a) the Series D Unit Purchase Price plus Series D Unpaid Distributions in respect of such Series D Preferred Unit plus Series D Partial Period Distributions in respect of such Series D Preferred Unit divided by (b) the Series D Unit Purchase Price.

 

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Series D COC Redemption Price ” means a price per Series D Preferred Unit equal to the sum of (a) $29.82 plus (b) the Series D Unpaid Distributions on the applicable Series D Preferred Unit plus (c) Series D Partial Period Distributions on the applicable Series D Preferred Unit.

Series D Conversion Common Unit ” means a Common Unit issued upon conversion of a Series D Preferred Unit pursuant to Section  19.3(c)(ii)(A) or Section  19.6(c) ; provided that, following their sale or transfer in an open market transaction, any such Common Units will no longer be considered “Series D Conversion Common Units” for purposes of this Agreement.

Series D Conversion Notice ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section  19.6(b) .

Series D Conversion Notice Date ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section  19.6(b) .

Series D Conversion Date ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section 19.6(c)(i).

Series D Conversion Ratio ” means, as adjusted pursuant to Section  19.6(d) , the number of Common Units issuable upon the conversion of each Series D Preferred Unit pursuant to Section  19.3 or Section  19.6 , which shall be equal to (a) the Series D Unit Purchase Price plus Series D Unpaid Distributions in respect of such Series D Preferred Unit divided by (b) the Series D Unit Purchase Price.

Series D Converting Unitholder ” means a Person entitled to receive Common Units upon conversion of any Series D Preferred Units.

Series D Designated Director ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(c) .

Series D Designation Right Termination Event ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(c) .

Series D Distribution ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(a) .

Series D Distribution Amount ” means, as adjusted pursuant to Section  19.3(c) : (a) for the first eight Series D Distribution Periods, an amount per Series D Distribution Period equal to $0.619 per Series D Preferred Unit, provided that the Series D Initial Distribution made on the Series D Initial Distribution Date shall be prorated for the number of days, commencing (i) with respect to the Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units (as such term is defined in the Series D Purchase Agreement), on and including the Series D Initial Closing Date, and (ii) with respect to the Series D Second Closing Units, on and including the Second Funding Closing Date (as such term is defined in the Series D Purchase Agreement), in each case to, but excluding, the Series D Initial Distribution Date; (b) for the twelve Series D Distribution Periods beginning with the initial Series D Distribution Period following the eight Series D Distribution Periods referred to in clause

 

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(a) of this definition, an amount per Series D Distribution Period equal to $0.682 per Series D Preferred Unit; and (c) beginning with the initial Series D Distribution Period following the twelve Series D Distribution Periods referred to in clause (b) of this definition and continuing thereafter, (A) for all purposes other than Section  19.7(b)(B)(x) , the greater of: (i) an amount per Series D Distribution Period equal to $0.872 per Series D Preferred Unit or (ii) the amount of the quarterly distribution that would be payable in respect of a Series D Preferred Unit in respect of the most recent completed Quarter if such Series D Preferred Unit had converted immediately prior to the Record Date with respect of which distributions are being paid on the Common Units for such Quarter into the number of Common Unit(s) into which such Series D Preferred Unit would be convertible at the then-applicable Series D Conversion Ratio (regardless of whether the Series D Preferred Units are then convertible) and (B) solely for purposes of Section  19.7(b)(B)(x) , $0.872 per Series D Preferred Unit.

Series  D Distribution Payment Date ” means the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year, commencing on September 15, 2018; provided, however, that if any Series D Distribution Payment Date would otherwise occur on a day that is not a Business Day, such Series D Distribution Payment Date shall instead be on the immediately succeeding Business Day without the accumulation of additional distributions.

Series D Distribution Period ” means a period of time from and including the preceding Series D Distribution Payment Date (other than the initial Series D Distribution Period, which shall commence on and include the Series D Initial Closing Date), to but excluding the next Series D Distribution Payment Date for such Series D Distribution Period.

“Series  D Distribution Record Date ” has the meaning given such term in Section  19.3(b) .

Series D Holder Redemption Price ” means a price per Series D Preferred Unit equal to $29.19 plus the Series D Unpaid Distributions on the applicable Series D Preferred Unit plus the Series D Partial Period Distributions on the applicable Series D Preferred Unit.

Series D Initial Closing Date ” shall mean June 29, 2018.

Series D Initial Distribution ” means the first distribution payable on the Series D Preferred Units.

Series D Initial Distribution Date ” means the date of payment of the Series D Initial Distribution, which shall be September 15, 2018.

Series D Initial PIK Date ” has the meaning assigned such term in Section  19.3(a) .

 

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Series D Partial Period Distributions ” means, with respect to a conversion or redemption of Series D Preferred Units pursuant to Article  XIX or a liquidation of the Partnership, an amount equal to the applicable Series D Distribution Amount multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days (not to exceed 90) elapsed in the Series D Distribution Period in which such conversion, redemption or liquidation occurs and the denominator of which is 90. All dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).

Series D Partnership Redemption ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.8(a) .

Series D Partnership Redemption Notice ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.8(a) .

Series D Partnership Redemption Price ” means, (a) at any time on or after June 29, 2023 but prior to June 29, 2024, a price per Series D Preferred Unit equal to $31.73, (b) at any time on or after June 29, 2024 but prior to June 29, 2025, a price per Series D Preferred Unit equal to $30.46 and (c) at any time on or after June 29, 2025, a price per Series D Preferred Unit equal to $29.19 plus , in each case, the sum of (x) Series D Unpaid Distributions on the applicable Series D Preferred Unit plus (y) Series D Partial Period Distributions on the applicable Series D Preferred Unit.

Series D Payments ” means, collectively, Series D Distributions and Series D Redemption Payments.

Series D PIK Distribution Amount ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(a) .

Series D PIK Units ” means any Series D Preferred Units issued pursuant to a Series D Distribution in accordance with Section  19.3(a) .

Series D Preferred Unitholder ” means a holder of Series D Preferred Units.

Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.8(b) .

Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.8(b) .

Series D Preferred Units ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.1 .

Series D Purchase Agreement ” means the Series D Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2018, by and among the Partnership and the Series D Purchasers, as may be amended from time to time.

Series D Purchasers ” means those Persons set forth on Schedule A to the Series D Purchase Agreement.

 

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“Series D Redemption Date ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.8(a)(ii) .

Series D Redemption Payments ” means payments to be made to the holders of Series D Preferred Units to redeem Series D Preferred Units in accordance with Section  19.7(b) or Section  19.8 .

Series D Second Closing Units ” means the Series D Preferred Second Closing Units (as such term is defined in the Series D Purchase Agreement).

Series D Subject Units ” means the Series D Preferred Units and, after the conversion of any Series D Preferred Units, the Series D Conversion Common Units issued upon such conversion and the Series D Preferred Units.

Series D Substantially Equivalent Unit ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.7(d) .

Series D Trigger Event ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(c) .

“Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(c)(ii)(A)(II) .

“Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(c)(ii)(A)(II) .

Series D Unit Purchase Price ” means $25.38.

Series D Unpaid Distributions ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  19.3(c) .

Services Agreement ” means that Amended and Restated Services Agreement, effective as of March 1, 2016 by and between the Partnership, NuStar GP Holdings, NuStar GP and NuStar Services Company LLC.

Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items ” means in connection with any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items for any taxable period, (i) with respect to the Unitholders holding Common Units, the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the Unitholders’ Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the end of such period bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time, (ii) with respect to the General Partner (as holder of the General Partner Interest), the amount that bears the same ratio to such additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the General Partner’s Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of the end of such period bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustment as of that time, and (iii) with respect to the Partners holding Incentive Distribution Rights, the amount that bears the same ratio to such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items as the Remaining Net Positive Adjustments of the Partners holding the Incentive Distribution Rights as of the end of such period bears to the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments as of that time.

 

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Special Approval ” means approval by a majority of the members of the Conflicts Committee, provided that at the time of such approval all of the material facts known to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates regarding the proposed transaction in respect of which such approval is given were fully disclosed to or otherwise known by the Conflicts Committee.

Stated Liquidation Preference ” means the Stated Series A Liquidation Preference, the Stated Series B Liquidation Preference, the Stated Series C Liquidation Preference or the Stated Series D Liquidation Preference, as applicable.

Stated Series  A Liquidation Preference ” means an amount equal to $25.00 per Series A Preferred Unit.

Stated Series  B Liquidation Preference ” means an amount equal to $25.00 per Series B Preferred Unit.

Stated Series  C Liquidation Preference ” means an amount equal to $25.00 per Series C Preferred Unit.

Stated Series  D Liquidation Preference ” means an amount equal to $25.38 per Series D Preferred Unit.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, (a) a corporation of which more than 50% of the voting power of shares entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors or other governing body of such corporation is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person or a combination thereof, (b) a partnership (whether general or limited) in which such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is, at the date of determination, a general or limited partner of such partnership, but only if more than 50% of the partnership interests of such partnership (considering all of the partnership interests of the partnership as a single class) is owned, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, by such Person, by one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, or (c) any other Person (other than a corporation or a partnership) in which such Person, one or more Subsidiaries of such Person, or a combination thereof, directly or indirectly, at the date of determination, has (i) at least a majority ownership interest or (ii) the power to elect or direct the election of a majority of the directors or other governing body of such Person.

Substituted Limited Partner ” means a Person who is admitted as a Limited Partner to the Partnership pursuant to Section  10.2 in place of and with all the rights of a Limited Partner and who is shown as a Limited Partner on the books and records of the Partnership.

Surviving Business Entity ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  14.2(b) .

 

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Trading Day ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  15.1(a) .

Transfer ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  4.4(a) .

Transfer Agent ” means such bank, trust company or other Person (including the General Partner or one of its Affiliates) as shall be appointed from time to time by the Partnership to act as registrar and transfer agent for the Common Units or other Partnership Securities; provided that if no Transfer Agent is specifically designated for any other Partnership Securities, the General Partner shall act in such capacity.

Transfer Application ” means an application and agreement for transfer of Units in the form set forth on the back of a Certificate or in a form substantially to the same effect in a separate instrument.

Underwriter ” means each Person named as an underwriter in Schedule I to the Underwriting Agreement who purchased Common Units pursuant thereto.

Underwriting Agreement ” means the Underwriting Agreement dated April 9, 2001 among the Underwriters, the Partnership and certain other parties, providing for the purchase of Common Units by such Underwriters.

Unit ” means a Partnership Security that is designated as a “ Unit ” and shall include Common Units, but shall not include (i) a General Partner Interest, (ii) Incentive Distribution Rights or (iii) Preferred Units (other than Series D Preferred Units as provided in Section  19.4) .

Unitholders ” means the holders of Common Units and, as provided in Section  19.4 , Series D Preferred Units.

Unit Majority ” means at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units.

Unpaid MQD ” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section  6.1(c)(i)(B) .

Unrealized Gain ” attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the fair market value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section  5.4(d) ) over (b) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Section  5.4(d) as of such date).

Unrealized Loss ” attributable to any item of Partnership property means, as of any date of determination, the excess, if any, of (a) the Carrying Value of such property as of such date (prior to any adjustment to be made pursuant to Section  5.4(d) as of such date) over (b) the fair market value of such property as of such date (as determined under Section  5.4(d) ).

Unrecovered Capital ” means at any time, with respect to a Unit, the Initial Unit Price less the sum of all distributions constituting Capital Surplus theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit and any distributions of cash (or the Net Agreed Value

 

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of any distributions in kind) in connection with the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership theretofore made in respect of an Initial Common Unit, adjusted as the General Partner determines to be appropriate to give effect to any distribution, subdivision or combination of such Units.

U.S. GAAP ” means United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles consistently applied.

VWAP ” means, per Common Unit on any Trading Day, the per Common Unit volume-weighted average price as displayed under the heading “Bloomberg VWAP” on Bloomberg page “NS <equity> AQR” (or its equivalent successor if such page is not available) in respect of the period from the scheduled open of trading until the scheduled close of trading of the primary trading session on such Trading Day (or if such volume-weighted average price is unavailable, the closing price of one Common Unit on such Trading Day as reported on the New York Stock Exchange’s website or the website of the National Securities Exchange upon which the Common Units are listed). If the VWAP cannot be calculated for the Common Units on a particular date on any of the foregoing bases, the VWAP of the Common Units on such date shall be the fair market value as determined in good faith by the General Partner in a commercially reasonable manner.

Waiver Period Units ” means, collectively, any Common Units issued by the Partnership for cash from the date of the Navigator Agreement through the end of the Acquisition Waiver Period other than Common Units issued under any long-term incentive plan, equity compensation plan or similar plan implemented by the Partnership, NuStar GP Holdings or their respective Affiliates.

Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel ” means an Opinion of Counsel that the withdrawal of the General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (following the selection of the successor General Partner) would not result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited Partner or of a limited partner of the Operating Partnership or cause the Partnership or the Operating Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not previously treated as such).

Working Capital Borrowings ” means borrowings used solely for working capital purposes or to pay distributions to partners made pursuant to a credit facility or other arrangement requiring all such borrowings thereunder to be reduced to a relatively small amount each year for an economically meaningful period of time.

SECTION 1.2 Construction.

Unless the context requires otherwise: (a) any pronoun used in this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter forms, and the singular form of nouns, pronouns and verbs shall include the plural and vice versa; (b) references to Articles and Sections refer to Articles and Sections of this Agreement; and (c) the term “ include ” or “ includes ” means includes, without limitation, and “ including ” means including, without limitation.

 

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ARTICLE II

ORGANIZATION

SECTION 2.1 Formation.

The Partnership had been previously formed as a limited partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act. The General Partner and the other Partners hereby amend and restate the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement in its entirety. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, the rights, duties (including fiduciary duties), liabilities and obligations of the Partners and the administration, dissolution and termination of the Partnership shall be governed by the Delaware Act. All Partnership Interests shall constitute personal property of the owner thereof for all purposes and a Partner has no interest in specific Partnership property.

SECTION 2.2 Name.

The name of the Partnership shall be “ NuStar Energy L.P. ” The Partnership’s business may be conducted under any other name or names deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner in its sole discretion, including the name of the General Partner. The words “ Limited Partnership ,” “ L.P. ,” “ Ltd .” or similar words or letters shall be included in the Partnership’s name where necessary for the purpose of complying with the laws of any jurisdiction that so requires. The General Partner in its discretion may change the name of the Partnership at any time and from time to time and shall notify the Limited Partners of such change in the next regular communication to the Limited Partners.

SECTION 2.3 Registered Office; Registered Agent; Principal Office; Other Offices.

Unless and until changed by the General Partner, the registered office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware shall be located at Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, and the registered agent for service of process on the Partnership in the State of Delaware at such registered office shall be The Corporation Trust Company. The principal office of the Partnership shall be located at 19003 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257 or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners. The Partnership may maintain offices at such other place or places within or outside the State of Delaware as the General Partner deems necessary or appropriate. The address of the General Partner shall be 19003 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257 or such other place as the General Partner may from time to time designate by notice to the Limited Partners.

SECTION 2.4 Purpose and Business.

The purpose and nature of the business to be conducted by the Partnership shall be to (a) serve as a partner of the Operating Partnership and, in connection therewith, to exercise all the rights and powers conferred upon the Partnership as a partner of an Operating Partnership pursuant to the Operating Partnership Agreement for such Operating Partnership or otherwise,

 

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(b) engage directly in, or enter into or form any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other arrangement to engage indirectly in, any business activity that the Operating Partnership is permitted to engage in by the Operating Partnership Agreement and, in connection therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred upon the Partnership pursuant to the agreements relating to such business activity, (c) engage directly in, or enter into or form any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other arrangement to engage indirectly in, any business activity that is approved by the General Partner and which lawfully may be conducted by a limited partnership organized pursuant to the Delaware Act and, in connection therewith, to exercise all of the rights and powers conferred upon the Partnership pursuant to the agreements relating to such business activity; provided , however , that the General Partner reasonably determines, as of the date of the acquisition or commencement of such activity, that such activity (i) generates “ qualifying income ” (as such term is defined pursuant to Section 7704 of the Code) or (ii) enhances the operations of an activity of the Operating Partnership or a Partnership activity that generates qualifying income, and (d) do anything necessary or appropriate to the foregoing, including the making of capital contributions or loans to a Group Member. The General Partner has no obligation or duty to the Partnership, the Limited Partners or the Assignees to propose or approve, and in its discretion may decline to propose or approve, the conduct by the Partnership of any business.

SECTION 2.5 Powers.

The Partnership shall be empowered to do any and all acts and things necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, incidental to or convenient for the furtherance and accomplishment of the purposes and business described in Section  2.4 and for the protection and benefit of the Partnership.

SECTION 2.6 Power of Attorney.

(a) Each Limited Partner and each Assignee hereby constitutes and appoints the General Partner and, if a Liquidator shall have been selected pursuant to Section  12.3 , the Liquidator (and any successor to the Liquidator by merger, transfer, assignment, election or otherwise) and each of their authorized officers and attorneys-in-fact, as the case may be, with full power of substitution, as his true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact, with full power and authority in his name, place and stead, to:

(i) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record in the appropriate public offices (A) all certificates, documents and other instruments (including this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments or restatements hereof or thereof) that the General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate to form, qualify or continue the existence or qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State of Delaware and in all other jurisdictions in which the Partnership may conduct business or own property; (B) all certificates, documents and other instruments that the General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate to reflect, in accordance with its terms, any amendment, change, modification or restatement of this Agreement; (C) all certificates, documents and other instruments (including conveyances and a certificate of cancellation) that the General Partner or the

 

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Liquidator deems necessary or appropriate to reflect the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; (D) all certificates, documents and other instruments relating to the admission, withdrawal, removal or substitution of any Partner pursuant to, or other events described in, Article  IV , X , XI or XII ; (E) all certificates, documents and other instruments relating to the determination of the rights, preferences and privileges of any class or series of Partnership Securities issued pursuant to Section  5.5 ; and (F) all certificates, documents and other instruments (including agreements and a certificate of merger) relating to a merger or consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to Article  XIV ; and

(ii) execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record all ballots, consents, approvals, waivers, certificates, documents and other instruments necessary or appropriate, in the discretion of the General Partner or the Liquidator, to make, evidence, give, confirm or ratify any vote, consent, approval, agreement or other action that is made or given by the Partners hereunder or is consistent with the terms of this Agreement or is necessary or appropriate, in the discretion of the General Partner or the Liquidator, to effectuate the terms or intent of this Agreement; provided , that when required by Section  13.3 or any other provision of this Agreement that establishes a percentage of the Limited Partners or of the Limited Partners of any class or series required to take any action, the General Partner and the Liquidator may exercise the power of attorney made in this Section  2.6(a)(ii) only after the necessary vote, consent or approval of the Limited Partners or of the Limited Partners of such class or series, as applicable.

Nothing contained in this Section  2.6(a) shall be construed as authorizing the General Partner to amend this Agreement except in accordance with Article  XIII , Article  XVI , Article  XVII , Article  XVIII and Article  XIX or as may be otherwise expressly provided for in this Agreement.

(b) The foregoing power of attorney is hereby declared to be irrevocable and a power coupled with an interest, and it shall survive and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, not be affected by the subsequent death, incompetency, disability, incapacity, dissolution, bankruptcy or termination of any Limited Partner or Assignee and the transfer of all or any portion of such Limited Partner’s or Assignee’s Partnership Interest and shall extend to such Limited Partner’s or Assignee’s heirs, successors, assigns and personal representatives. Each such Limited Partner or Assignee hereby agrees to be bound by any representation made by the General Partner or the Liquidator acting in good faith pursuant to such power of attorney; and each such Limited Partner or Assignee, to the maximum extent permitted by law, hereby waives any and all defenses that may be available to contest, negate or disaffirm the action of the General Partner or the Liquidator taken in good faith under such power of attorney. Each Limited Partner or Assignee shall execute and deliver to the General Partner or the Liquidator, within 15 days after receipt of the request therefor, such further designation, powers of attorney and other instruments as the General Partner or the Liquidator deems necessary to effectuate this Agreement and the purposes of the Partnership.

 

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SECTION 2.7 Term.

The term of the Partnership commenced upon the filing of the initial Certificate of Limited Partnership in accordance with the Delaware Act and shall be perpetual unless the Partnership is dissolved in accordance with the provisions of Article  XII . The existence of the Partnership as a separate legal entity shall continue until the cancellation of the Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the Delaware Act.

SECTION 2.8 Title to Partnership Assets.

Title to Partnership assets, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, shall be deemed to be owned by the Partnership as an entity, and no Partner or Assignee, individually or collectively, shall have any ownership interest in such Partnership assets or any portion thereof. Title to any or all of the Partnership assets may be held in the name of the Partnership, the General Partner, one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees, as the General Partner may determine. The General Partner hereby declares and warrants that any Partnership assets for which record title is held in the name of the General Partner or one or more of its Affiliates or one or more nominees shall be held by the General Partner or such Affiliate or nominee for the use and benefit of the Partnership in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; provided , however , that the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to cause record title to such assets (other than those assets in respect of which the General Partner determines that the expense and difficulty of conveyancing makes transfer of record title to the Partnership impracticable) to be vested in the Partnership as soon as reasonably practicable; provided , further , that, prior to the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner or as soon thereafter as practicable, the General Partner shall use reasonable efforts to effect the transfer of record title to the Partnership and, prior to any such transfer, will provide for the use of such assets in a manner satisfactory to the General Partner. All Partnership assets shall be recorded as the property of the Partnership in its books and records, irrespective of the name in which record title to such Partnership assets is held.

ARTICLE III

RIGHTS OF LIMITED PARTNERS

SECTION 3.1 Limitation of Liability.

The Limited Partners and the Assignees shall have no liability under this Agreement except as expressly provided in this Agreement or the Delaware Act.

SECTION 3.2 Management of Business.

No Limited Partner or Assignee, in its capacity as such, shall participate in the operation, management or control (within the meaning of the Delaware Act) of the Partnership’s business, transact any business in the Partnership’s name or have the power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the Partnership. Any action taken by any Affiliate of the General Partner or any officer, director, employee, member, general partner, agent or trustee of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, or any officer, director, employee, member, general partner, agent or trustee of a Group Member, in its capacity as such, shall not be deemed to be participation in the control of the business of the Partnership by a limited partner of the Partnership (within the meaning of Section 17-303(a) of the Delaware Act) and shall not affect, impair or eliminate the limitations on the liability of the Limited Partners or Assignees under this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 3.3 Outside Activities of the Limited Partners.

Subject to the provisions of Section  7.5 , which shall continue to be applicable to the Persons referred to therein, regardless of whether such Persons shall also be Limited Partners or Assignees, any Limited Partner or Assignee shall be entitled to and may have business interests and engage in business activities in addition to those relating to the Partnership, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the Partnership Group. Neither the Partnership nor any of the other Partners or Assignees shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement in any business ventures of any Limited Partner or Assignee.

SECTION 3.4 Rights of Limited Partners.

(a) In addition to other rights provided by this Agreement or by applicable law, and except as limited by Section  3.4(b) , each Limited Partner shall have the right, for a purpose reasonably related to such Limited Partner’s interest as a limited partner in the Partnership, upon reasonable written demand and at such Limited Partner’s own expense:

(i) to obtain true and full information regarding the status of the business and financial condition of the Partnership;

(ii) promptly after becoming available, to obtain a copy of the Partnership’s federal, state and local income tax returns for each year;

(iii) to have furnished to him a current list of the name and last known business, residence or mailing address of each Partner;

(iv) to have furnished to him a copy of this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto, together with a copy of the executed copies of all powers of attorney pursuant to which this Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all amendments thereto have been executed;

(v) to obtain true and full information regarding the amount of cash and a description and statement of the Net Agreed Value of any other Capital Contribution by each Partner and which each Partner has agreed to contribute in the future, and the date on which each became a Partner; and

(vi) to obtain such other information regarding the affairs of the Partnership as is just and reasonable.

(b) The General Partner may keep confidential from the Limited Partners and Assignees, for such period of time as the General Partner deems reasonable, (i) any information that the General Partner reasonably believes to be in the nature of trade secrets or (ii) other information the disclosure of which the General Partner in good faith believes (A) is not in the best interests of the Partnership Group, (B) could damage the Partnership Group or (C) that any Group Member is required by law or by agreement with any third party to keep confidential (other than agreements with Affiliates of the Partnership the primary purpose of which is to circumvent the obligations set forth in this Section  3.4 ).

 

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ARTICLE IV

CERTIFICATES; RECORD HOLDERS; TRANSFER OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS; REDEMPTION OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

SECTION 4.1 Certificates.

Subject in each case to Section  16.2(b) with respect to Series A Preferred Units, Section  17.2(b) with respect to Series B Preferred Units, Section  18.2(b) with respect to Series C Preferred Units and Section  19.5 and Section  19.2(b) with respect to Series D Preferred Units, upon the Partnership’s issuance of Partnership Securities to any Person, the Partnership shall issue one or more Certificates in the name of such Person evidencing the number of such Partnership Securities being so issued. In addition, upon the General Partner’s request, the Partnership shall issue to it one or more Certificates in the name of the General Partner evidencing its interests in the Partnership. Certificates shall be executed on behalf of the Partnership by the Chairman of the Board, President or any Executive Vice President or Vice President and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of NuStar GP. No Certificate shall be valid for any purpose until it has been countersigned by the Transfer Agent; provided , however , that if the General Partner elects to issue Partnership Securities in global form, the Certificates shall be valid upon receipt of a certificate from the Transfer Agent certifying that such Partnership Securities have been duly registered in accordance with the directions of the Partnership. Partners holding Certificates evidencing Series A Preferred Units may exchange such Certificates for Certificates evidencing Common Units on or after the date on which such Series A Preferred Units are converted into Common Units pursuant to the terms of Section  16.11 . Partners holding Certificates evidencing Series B Preferred Units may exchange such Certificates for Certificates evidencing Common Units on or after the date on which such Series B Preferred Units are converted into Common Units pursuant to the terms of Section  17.11 . Partners holding Certificates evidencing Series C Preferred Units may exchange such Certificates for Certificates evidencing Common Units on or after the date on which such Series C Preferred Units are converted into Common Units pursuant to the terms of Section  18.11 . Partners holding Certificates evidencing Series D Preferred Units may exchange such Certificates for Certificates evidencing Common Units on or after the date on which such Series D Preferred Units are converted into Common Units pursuant to the terms of Section  19.3(c)(ii)(A) , Section  19.6 or Section  19.7(a) .

SECTION 4.2 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost or Stolen Certificates.

(a) If any mutilated Certificate is surrendered to the Transfer Agent, the appropriate officers of NuStar GP on behalf of the Partnership shall execute, and the Transfer Agent shall countersign and deliver in exchange therefor, a new Certificate evidencing the same number and type of Partnership Securities as the Certificate so surrendered.

 

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(b) The appropriate officers of NuStar GP on behalf of the Partnership shall execute and deliver, and the Transfer Agent shall countersign a new Certificate in place of any Certificate previously issued if the Record Holder of the Certificate:

(i) makes proof by affidavit, in form and substance satisfactory to the Partnership, that a previously issued Certificate has been lost, destroyed or stolen;

(ii) requests the issuance of a new Certificate before the Partnership has notice that the Certificate has been acquired by a purchaser for value in good faith and without notice of an adverse claim;

(iii) if requested by the Partnership, delivers to the Partnership a bond, in form and substance satisfactory to the Partnership, with surety or sureties and with fixed or open penalty as the Partnership may reasonably direct, in its sole discretion, to indemnify the Partnership, the Partners, the General Partner and the Transfer Agent against any claim that may be made on account of the alleged loss, destruction or theft of the Certificate; and

(iv) satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Partnership.

If a Limited Partner or Assignee fails to notify the Partnership within a reasonable time after he has notice of the loss, destruction or theft of a Certificate, and a transfer of the Limited Partner Interests represented by the Certificate is registered before the Partnership, the General Partner or the Transfer Agent receives such notification, the Limited Partner or Assignee shall be precluded from making any claim against the Partnership, the General Partner or the Transfer Agent for such transfer or for a new Certificate.

(c) As a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section  4.2 , the Partnership may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Transfer Agent) reasonably connected therewith.

SECTION 4.3 Record Holders.

The Partnership shall be entitled to recognize the Record Holder as the Partner or Assignee with respect to any Partnership Interest and, accordingly, shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claim to or interest in such Partnership Interest on the part of any other Person, regardless of whether the Partnership shall have actual or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests are listed for trading. Without limiting the foregoing, when a Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation or an agent of any of the foregoing) is acting as nominee, agent or in some other representative capacity for another Person in acquiring and/or holding Partnership Interests, as between the Partnership on the one hand, and such other Persons on the other, such representative Person (a) shall be the Partner or Assignee (as the case may be) of record and beneficially, (b) must execute and deliver a Transfer Application and (c) shall be bound by this Agreement and shall have the rights and obligations of a Partner or Assignee (as the case may be) hereunder and as, and to the extent, provided for herein.

 

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SECTION 4.4 Transfer Generally.

(a) The term “ transfer ,” when used in this Agreement with respect to a Partnership Interest, shall be deemed to refer to a transaction by which the General Partner assigns its General Partner Interest to another Person who becomes the General Partner, by which the holder of a Limited Partner Interest assigns such Limited Partner Interest to another Person who is or becomes a Limited Partner or an Assignee, and includes a sale, assignment, gift, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation, mortgage, exchange or any other disposition by law or otherwise.

(b) No Partnership Interest shall be transferred, in whole or in part, except in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Article  IV and Section  19.9 . Any transfer or purported transfer of a Partnership Interest not made in accordance with this Article  IV and Section  19.9 shall be null and void.

(c) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent (i) a disposition by any limited partner of the General Partner of any or all of the issued and outstanding limited partner interests of the General Partner or (ii) a disposition by any general partner of the General Partner of any or all of the issued and outstanding capital stock or other equity interests of such general partner.

SECTION 4.5 Registration and Transfer of Limited Partner Interests.

(a) The Partnership shall keep or cause to be kept on behalf of the Partnership a register in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe and subject to the provisions of Section  4.5(b) , the Partnership will provide for the registration and transfer of Partnership Securities. The Transfer Agent is hereby appointed registrar and transfer agent for the purpose of registering Partnership Securities and transfers of such Partnership Securities as herein provided. The Partnership shall not recognize transfers of Certificates evidencing Limited Partner Interests unless such transfers are effected in the manner described in this Section  4.5 . Upon surrender of a Certificate for registration of transfer of any Limited Partner Interests evidenced by a Certificate, and subject to the provisions of Section  4.5(b) , the appropriate officers of NuStar GP on behalf of the Partnership shall execute and deliver, and in the case of Common Units and Preferred Units, the Transfer Agent shall countersign and deliver, in the name of the holder or the designated transferee or transferees, as required pursuant to the holder’s instructions and Section  4.1 , one or more new Certificates evidencing the same aggregate number and type of Limited Partner Interests as was evidenced by the Certificate so surrendered.

(b) Except as otherwise provided in Section  4.9 , the Partnership shall not recognize any transfer of Limited Partner Interests until the Certificates evidencing such Limited Partner Interests are surrendered for registration of transfer and such Certificates are accompanied by a Transfer Application duly executed by the transferee (or the transferee’s attorney-in-fact duly authorized in writing). No charge shall be imposed by the Partnership for such transfer; provided , that as a condition to the issuance of any new Certificate under this Section  4.5 , the Partnership may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed with respect thereto.

 

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(c) Limited Partner Interests may be transferred only in the manner described in this Section  4.5 . The transfer of any Limited Partner Interests and the admission of any new Limited Partner shall not constitute an amendment to this Agreement.

(d) Until admitted as a Substituted Limited Partner pursuant to Section  10.2 , the Record Holder of a Limited Partner Interest shall be an Assignee in respect of such Limited Partner Interest. Limited Partners may include custodians, nominees or any other individual or entity in its own or any representative capacity.

(e) A transferee of a Limited Partner Interest who has completed and delivered a Transfer Application shall be deemed to have (i) requested admission as a Substituted Limited Partner, (ii) agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed this Agreement, (iii) represented and warranted that such transferee has the right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity to enter into this Agreement, (iv) granted the powers of attorney set forth in this Agreement and (v) given the consents and approvals and made the waivers contained in this Agreement.

(f) The General Partner and its Affiliates shall have the right at any time to transfer their Common Units to one or more Persons.

SECTION 4.6 Transfer of the General Partner s General Partner Interest.

(a) Subject to Section  4.6(b) below, the General Partner may transfer all or any of its General Partner Interest without Unitholder approval.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no transfer by the General Partner of all or any part of its General Partner Interest to another Person shall be permitted unless (i) the transferee agrees to assume the rights and duties of the General Partner under this Agreement and to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) the Partnership receives an Opinion of Counsel that such transfer would not result in the loss of limited liability of any Limited Partner or of any limited partner of the Operating Partnership or cause the Partnership or the Operating Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed) and (iii) such transferee also agrees to purchase all (or the appropriate portion thereof, if applicable) of the partnership interest of the General Partner as the general partner of each other Group Member. In the case of a transfer pursuant to and in compliance with this Section  4.6 , the transferee or successor (as the case may be) shall, subject to compliance with the terms of Section  10.3 , be admitted to the Partnership as a General Partner immediately prior to the transfer of the Partnership Interest, and the business of the Partnership shall continue without dissolution.

SECTION 4.7 Transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights.

The General Partner or any other holder of Incentive Distribution Rights may transfer any or all of its Incentive Distribution Rights without Unitholder approval. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights to another Person shall be permitted unless the transferee agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement. The General Partner shall have the authority (but shall not be required) to adopt such reasonable restrictions on the transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights and requirements for registering the transfer of Incentive Distribution Rights as the General Partner, in its sole discretion, shall determine are necessary or appropriate.

 

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SECTION 4.8 Restrictions on Transfers.

(a) Except as provided in Section  4.8(c) below, but notwithstanding the other provisions of this Article  IV or Article  XIX , no transfer of any Partnership Interests shall be made if such transfer would (i) violate the then applicable federal or state securities laws or rules and regulations of the Commission, any state securities commission or any other governmental authority with jurisdiction over such transfer, (ii) terminate the existence or qualification of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership under the laws of the jurisdiction of its formation, or (iii) cause the Partnership or the Operating Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not already so treated or taxed).

(b) The General Partner may impose restrictions on the transfer of Partnership Interests if a subsequent Opinion of Counsel determines that such restrictions are necessary to avoid a significant risk of the Partnership becoming taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes. The restrictions may be imposed by making such amendments to this Agreement as the General Partner may determine to be necessary or appropriate to impose such restrictions; provided , however , that any amendment that the General Partner believes, in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, could result in the delisting or suspension of trading of any class of Limited Partner Interests on the principal National Securities Exchange on which such class of Limited Partner Interests is then traded must be approved, prior to such amendment being effected, by the holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of such class.

(c) Nothing contained in this Article  IV , or elsewhere in this Agreement, shall preclude the settlement of any transactions involving Partnership Interests entered into through the facilities of any National Securities Exchange on which such Partnership Interests are listed for trading.

(d) In addition to any other restrictions on transfer set forth in this Agreement, the transfer of the Series D Conversion Common Units and the Series D Preferred Units shall be subject to the restrictions imposed by Section  6.9 and Section  19.9 , respectively.

SECTION 4.9 Citizenship Certificates; Non-citizen Assignees.

(a) If any Group Member is or becomes subject to any federal, state or local law or regulation that, in the reasonable determination of the General Partner, creates a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any property in which the Group Member has an interest based on the nationality, citizenship or other related status of a Limited Partner or Assignee, the General Partner may request any Limited Partner or Assignee to furnish to the General Partner, within 30 days after receipt of such request, an executed Citizenship Certification or such other information concerning his nationality, citizenship or other related status (or, if the Limited Partner or Assignee is a nominee holding for the account of another

 

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Person, the nationality, citizenship or other related status of such Person) as the General Partner may request. If a Limited Partner or Assignee fails to furnish to the General Partner within the aforementioned 30-day period such Citizenship Certification or other requested information or if upon receipt of such Citizenship Certification or other requested information the General Partner determines, with the advice of counsel, that a Limited Partner or Assignee is not an Eligible Citizen, the Partnership Interests owned by such Limited Partner or Assignee shall be subject to redemption in accordance with the provisions of Section  4.10 . In addition, the General Partner may require that the status of any such Partner or Assignee be changed to that of a Non-citizen Assignee and, thereupon, the General Partner shall be substituted for such Non-citizen Assignee as the Limited Partner in respect of his Limited Partner Interests.

(b) The General Partner shall, in exercising voting rights in respect of Limited Partner Interests held by it on behalf of Non-citizen Assignees, distribute the votes in the same ratios as the votes of Partners (including without limitation the General Partner) in respect of Limited Partner Interests other than those of Non-citizen Assignees are cast, either for, against or abstaining as to the matter.

(c) Upon dissolution of the Partnership, a Non-citizen Assignee shall have no right to receive a distribution in kind pursuant to Section  12.4 but shall be entitled to the cash equivalent thereof, and the Partnership shall provide cash in exchange for an assignment of the Non-citizen Assignee’s share of the distribution in kind. Such payment and assignment shall be treated for Partnership purposes as a purchase by the Partnership from the Non-citizen Assignee of his Limited Partner Interest (representing his right to receive his share of such distribution in kind).

(d) At any time after he can and does certify that he has become an Eligible Citizen, a Non-citizen Assignee may, upon application to the General Partner, request admission as a Substituted Limited Partner with respect to any Limited Partner Interests of such Non-citizen Assignee not redeemed pursuant to Section  4.10 , and upon his admission pursuant to Section  10.2 , the General Partner shall cease to be deemed to be the Limited Partner in respect of the Non-citizen Assignee’s Limited Partner Interests.

SECTION 4.10 Redemption of Partnership Interests of Non-citizen Assignees.

(a) If at any time a Limited Partner or Assignee fails to furnish a Citizenship Certification or other information requested within the 30-day period specified in Section  4.9(a) , or if upon receipt of such Citizenship Certification or other information the General Partner determines, with the advice of counsel, that a Limited Partner or Assignee is not an Eligible Citizen, the Partnership may, unless the Limited Partner or Assignee establishes to the satisfaction of the General Partner that such Limited Partner or Assignee is an Eligible Citizen or has transferred his Partnership Interests to a Person who is an Eligible Citizen and who furnishes a Citizenship Certification to the General Partner prior to the date fixed for redemption as provided below, redeem the Partnership Interest of such Limited Partner or Assignee as follows:

(i) The General Partner shall, not later than the 30th day before the date fixed for redemption, give notice of redemption to the Limited Partner or Assignee, at his last address designated on the records of the Partnership or the Transfer Agent, by

 

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registered or certified mail, postage prepaid. The notice shall be deemed to have been given when so mailed. The notice shall specify the Redeemable Interests, the date fixed for redemption, the place of payment, that payment of the redemption price will be made upon surrender of the Certificate evidencing the Redeemable Interests and that on and after the date fixed for redemption no further allocations or distributions to which the Limited Partner or Assignee would otherwise be entitled in respect of the Redeemable Interests will accrue or be made.

(ii) The aggregate redemption price for Redeemable Interests shall be an amount equal to the Current Market Price (the date of determination of which shall be the date fixed for redemption) of Limited Partner Interests of the class to be so redeemed multiplied by the number of Limited Partner Interests of each such class included among the Redeemable Interests. The redemption price shall be paid, in the discretion of the General Partner, in cash or by delivery of a promissory note of the Partnership in the principal amount of the redemption price, bearing interest at the rate of 10% annually and payable in three equal annual installments of principal together with accrued interest, commencing one year after the redemption date.

(iii) Upon surrender by or on behalf of the Limited Partner or Assignee, at the place specified in the notice of redemption, of the Certificate evidencing the Redeemable Interests, duly endorsed in blank or accompanied by an assignment duly executed in blank, the Limited Partner or Assignee or his duly authorized representative shall be entitled to receive the payment therefor.

(iv) After the redemption date, Redeemable Interests shall no longer constitute issued and Outstanding Limited Partner Interests.

(b) The provisions of this Section  4.10 shall also be applicable to Limited Partner Interests held by a Limited Partner or Assignee as nominee of a Person determined to be other than an Eligible Citizen.

(c) Nothing in this Section  4.10 shall prevent the recipient of a notice of redemption from transferring his Limited Partner Interest before the redemption date if such transfer is otherwise permitted under this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such a transfer, the General Partner shall withdraw the notice of redemption, provided the transferee of such Limited Partner Interest certifies to the satisfaction of the General Partner in a Citizenship Certification delivered in connection with the Transfer Application that he is an Eligible Citizen. If the transferee fails to make such certification, such redemption shall be effected from the transferee on the original redemption date.

ARTICLE V

CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ISSUANCE OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

SECTION 5.1 Contributions by the General Partner and its Affiliates.

(a) The General Partner has contributed to the Partnership the cash or other property (if any) as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.

 

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(b) Upon the issuance of any additional Limited Partner Interests by the Partnership, the General Partner shall be required to make additional Capital Contributions equal to 2/98th of any amount contributed to the Partnership by the Limited Partners in exchange for such additional Limited Partner Interests. Except as set forth in the immediately preceding sentence and Article  XII , the General Partner shall not be obligated to make any additional Capital Contributions to the Partnership.

SECTION 5.2 Contributions by Limited Partners .

Each Limited Partner has contributed to the Partnership the cash or other property (if any) as set forth in the books and records of the Partnership.

SECTION 5.3 Interest and Withdrawal.

No interest shall be paid by the Partnership on Capital Contributions. No Partner or Assignee shall be entitled to the withdrawal or return of its Capital Contribution, except to the extent, if any, that distributions made pursuant to this Agreement or upon dissolution of the Partnership may be considered as such by law and then only to the extent provided for in this Agreement. Except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement, no Partner or Assignee shall have priority over any other Partner or Assignee either as to the return of Capital Contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions. Any such return shall be a compromise to which all Partners and Assignees agree within the meaning of Section 17-502(b) of the Delaware Act.

SECTION 5.4 Capital Accounts.

(a) The Partnership shall maintain for each Partner (or a beneficial owner of Partnership Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the nominee has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to the General Partner in its sole discretion) owning a Partnership Interest a separate Capital Account with respect to such Partnership Interest in accordance with the rules of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The initial Capital Account attributable to a Preferred Unit shall be the Stated Liquidation Preference for such Preferred Unit, irrespective of the amount paid by such holder for such Preferred Unit. Capital Accounts shall be increased by (i) the amount of all Capital Contributions made to the Partnership with respect to such Partnership Interest (other than a Preferred Unit) pursuant to this Agreement and (ii) all items of Partnership income and gain (including, without limitation, income and gain exempt from tax) computed in accordance with Section  5.4(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section  6.1 , and decreased by (x) the amount of cash or Net Agreed Value of all actual and deemed distributions of cash or property made with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to this Agreement; provided that the Capital Account of a holder of Series A Preferred Units shall not be reduced by the amount of Series A Distributions it receives, the Capital Account of a holder of Series B Preferred Units shall not be reduced by the amount of Series B Distributions it receives, the Capital Account of a holder of Series C Preferred Units shall not be reduced by the amount of Series C Distributions it receives and the Capital Account of a holder of Series D Preferred Units shall not be reduced by the amount of Series D Distributions it receives and (y) all items of Partnership deduction and loss computed in accordance with Section  5.4(b) and allocated with respect to such Partnership Interest pursuant to Section  6.1 .

 

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(b) For purposes of computing the amount of any item of income, gain, loss or deduction which is to be allocated pursuant to Article  VI and is to be reflected in the Partners’ Capital Accounts, the determination, recognition and classification of any such item shall be the same as its determination, recognition and classification for federal income tax purposes (including, without limitation, any method of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization used for that purpose), provided , that:

(i) Solely for purposes of this Section  5.4 , the Partnership shall be treated as owning directly its proportionate share (as determined by the General Partner based upon the provisions of the Operating Partnership Agreement) of all property owned by the Operating Partnership or any other Subsidiary that is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.

(ii) All fees and other expenses incurred by the Partnership to promote the sale of (or to sell) a Partnership Interest that can neither be deducted nor amortized under Section 709 of the Code, if any, shall, for purposes of Capital Account maintenance, be treated as an item of deduction at the time such fees and other expenses are incurred and shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to Section  6.1 .

(iii) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement or Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), the computation of all items of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be made without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code which may be made by the Partnership and, as to those items described in Section 705(a)(1)(B) or 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code, without regard to the fact that such items are not includable in gross income or are neither currently deductible nor capitalized for federal income tax purposes. To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b) or 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment in the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain or loss.

(iv) Any income, gain or loss attributable to the taxable disposition of any Partnership property shall be determined as if the adjusted basis of such property as of such date of disposition were equal in amount to the Partnership’s Carrying Value with respect to such property as of such date.

(v) In accordance with the requirements of Section 704(b) of the Code, any deductions for depreciation, cost recovery or amortization attributable to any Contributed Property shall be determined as if the adjusted basis of such property on the date it was acquired by the Partnership were equal to the Agreed Value of such property. Upon an adjustment pursuant to Section  5.4(d) to the Carrying Value of any Partnership property subject to depreciation, cost recovery or amortization, any further deductions for such depreciation, cost recovery or amortization attributable to such property shall be determined (A) as if the adjusted basis of such property were equal to the Carrying Value

 

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of such property immediately following such adjustment and (B) using a rate of depreciation, cost recovery or amortization derived from the same method and useful life (or, if applicable, the remaining useful life) as is applied for federal income tax purposes; provided , however , that, if the asset has a zero adjusted basis for federal income tax purposes, depreciation, cost recovery or amortization deductions shall be determined using any reasonable method that the General Partner may adopt.

(vi) If the Partnership’s adjusted basis in a depreciable or cost recovery property is reduced for federal income tax purposes pursuant to Section 48(q)(1) or 48(q)(3) of the Code, the amount of such reduction shall, solely for purposes hereof, be deemed to be an additional depreciation or cost recovery deduction in the year such property is placed in service and shall be allocated among the Partners pursuant to Section  6.1 . Any restoration of such basis pursuant to Section 48(q)(2) of the Code shall, to the extent possible, be allocated in the same manner to the Partners to whom such deemed deduction was allocated.

(c) A transferee of a Partnership Interest shall succeed to a Pro Rata portion of the Capital Account of the transferor relating to the Partnership Interest so transferred.

(d) (i) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), on an issuance of additional Partnership Interests for cash or Contributed Property, the issuance of Partnership Interests as consideration for the provision of services or the conversion of the General Partner’s Combined Interest to Common Units pursuant to Section  11.3(b) or the issuance of a Noncompensatory Option (including the conversion of a Series A Preferred Unit in accordance with Section  16.11 , including the conversion of a Series B Preferred Unit in accordance with Section  17.11 , including the conversion of a Series C Preferred Unit in accordance with Section  18.11 and including the conversion of a Series D Preferred Unit in accordance with Section  19.6 or Section  19.7 ), the Capital Accounts of all Partners and the Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately prior to such issuance shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, as if such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss had been recognized on an actual sale of each such property immediately prior to such issuance for an amount equal to its fair market value and had been allocated to the Partners at such time pursuant to Section  6.1(c) in the same manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized following an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership would have been allocated; provided, however , that in the event of the issuance of a Partnership Interest pursuant to the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option where the right to share in Partnership capital represented by such Partnership Interest differs from the consideration paid to acquire and exercise such option, the Carrying Value of each Partnership property immediately after the issuance of such Partnership Interest shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property and the Capital Accounts of the Partners shall be adjusted in a manner consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s); provided further, however , that in the event of an issuance of Partnership Interests for a de minimis amount of cash or Contributed Property, in the event of an issuance of a Noncompensatory Option to acquire a de minimis Partnership Interest, or in the event of an issuance of a de minimis amount of Partnership Interests as consideration for the provision of services, the General Partner may determine that such adjustments are unnecessary for the proper administration of the Partnership.

 

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If, upon the occurrence of a Revaluation Event described in this Section  5.4(d) , a Noncompensatory Option of the Partnership is outstanding, the Partnership shall adjust the Carrying Value of each Partnership property in accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)(1) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(h)(2). In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss, the aggregate cash amount and fair market value of all Partnership assets (including, without limitation, cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to the issuance of additional Partnership Interests (or, in the case of a Revaluation Event resulting from the exercise of a Noncompensatory Option, immediately after the issuance of the Partnership Interest acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Noncompensatory Option if required pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(1)) shall be determined by the General Partner using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt; provided, however, that the General Partner, in arriving at such valuation, must take fully into account the fair market value of the Partnership Interests of all Partners at such time. The General Partner shall allocate such aggregate value among the assets of the Partnership (in such manner as it determines in its discretion to be reasonable) to arrive at a fair market value for individual properties. The General Partner may determine that it is appropriate to first determine an aggregate value for the Partnership, derived from the current trading price of the Common Units, and taking fully into account the fair market value of the Partnership Interests of all Partners at such time and make any adjustments necessary to reflect the difference, if any, between the fair market value of any Preferred Units and the aggregate Capital Accounts attributable to such Preferred Units to the extent of any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss that has not been reflected in the Partners’ Capital Accounts previously, consistent with the methodology of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(h)(2), and then allocate such aggregate value among the individual properties of the Partnership (in such manner as it determines appropriate).

(ii) In accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f), immediately prior to any actual or deemed distribution to a Partner of any Partnership property (other than a distribution of cash that is not in redemption or retirement of a Partnership Interest), the Capital Accounts of all Partners and the Carrying Value of all Partnership property shall be adjusted upward or downward to reflect any Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such Partnership property, as if such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss had been recognized on an actual sale of each such property immediately prior to such distribution for an amount equal to its fair market value, and had been allocated to the Partners, at such time, pursuant to Section  6.1(c) in the same manner as any item of gain or loss actually recognized following an event giving rise to the dissolution of the Partnership would have been allocated. In determining such Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss the aggregate cash amount and fair market value of all Partnership assets (including, without limitation, cash or cash equivalents) immediately prior to a distribution shall (A) in the case of an actual distribution which is not made pursuant to Section  12.4 or in the case of a deemed distribution, be determined and allocated in the same manner as that provided in Section  5.4(d)(i) or (B) in the case of a liquidating distribution pursuant to Section  12.4 , be determined and allocated by the Liquidator using such reasonable method of valuation as it may adopt.

 

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SECTION 5.5 Issuances of Additional Partnership Securities.

(a) Subject to Section  5.6 and subject to any approvals required by Series A Holders pursuant to Section  16.4(b) and Section  16.4(c) , any approvals required by Series B Holders pursuant to Section  17.4(b) and Section  17.4(c) , any approvals required by Series C Holders pursuant to Section  18.4(b) and Section  18.4(c) and any approvals required by Series D Preferred Unitholders pursuant to Section  19.4 , the Partnership may issue additional Partnership Securities and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to the Partnership Securities for any Partnership purpose at any time and from time to time to such Persons for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as shall be established by the General Partner in its sole discretion, all without the approval of any Limited Partners.

(b) Each additional Partnership Security authorized to be issued by the Partnership pursuant to Section  5.5(a) may be issued in one or more classes, or one or more series of any such classes, with such designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties (which may be senior to existing classes and series of Partnership Securities), as shall be fixed by the General Partner in the exercise of its sole discretion, including (i) the right to share Partnership profits and losses or items thereof; (ii) the right to share in Partnership distributions; (iii) the rights upon dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership; (iv) whether, and the terms and conditions upon which, the Partnership may redeem the Partnership Security; (v) whether such Partnership Security is issued with the privilege of conversion or exchange and, if so, the terms and conditions of such conversion or exchange; (vi) the terms and conditions upon which each Partnership Security will be issued, evidenced by certificates and assigned or transferred; and (vii) the right, if any, of each such Partnership Security to vote on Partnership matters, including matters relating to the relative rights, preferences and privileges of such Partnership Security.

(c) The General Partner is hereby authorized and directed to take all actions that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with (i) each issuance of Partnership Securities and options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Partnership Securities pursuant to this Section  5.5 , (ii) the conversion of the General Partner Interest, Incentive Distribution Rights and Preferred Units into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, (iii) the admission of Additional Limited Partners and (iv) all additional issuances of Partnership Securities. The General Partner is further authorized and directed to specify the relative rights, powers and duties of the holders of the Units or other Partnership Securities being so issued. The General Partner shall do all things necessary to comply with the Delaware Act and is authorized and directed to do all things it deems to be necessary or advisable in connection with any future issuance of Partnership Securities or in connection with the conversion of the General Partner Interest, Incentive Distribution Rights and Preferred Units into Units pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, including compliance with any statute, rule, regulation or guideline of any federal, state or other governmental agency or any National Securities Exchange on which the Units or other Partnership Securities are listed for trading.

 

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SECTION 5.6 No Fractional Units. No fractional Units shall be issued by the Partnership.

SECTION 5.7 Limited Preemptive Right.

Except as provided in this Section  5.7 and in Section  5.1 , no Person shall have any preemptive, preferential or other similar right with respect to the issuance of any Partnership Security, whether unissued, held in the treasury or hereafter created. The General Partner shall have the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in part to any of its Affiliates, to purchase Partnership Securities from the Partnership whenever, and on the same terms that, the Partnership issues Partnership Securities to Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, to the extent necessary to maintain the Percentage Interests of the General Partner and its Affiliates equal to that which existed immediately prior to the issuance of such Partnership Securities.

SECTION 5.8 Splits and Combinations.

(a) Subject to Sections 5.8(d) , 6.6 and 6.10 (dealing with adjustments of distribution levels), the Partnership may make a Pro Rata distribution of Partnership Securities (other than Preferred Units) to all Record Holders or may effect a subdivision or combination of Partnership Securities so long as, after any such event, each Partner shall have the same Percentage Interest in the Partnership as before such event, and any amounts calculated on a per unit basis (including those based on the Stated Liquidation Preference) or stated as a number of Partnership Securities (including the number of additional Parity Units that may be issued pursuant to Section  5.5 without a Limited Partner vote) are proportionately adjusted retroactive to the beginning of the Partnership.

(b) Whenever such a distribution, subdivision or combination of Partnership Securities is declared, the General Partner shall select a Record Date as of which the distribution, subdivision or combination shall be effective and shall send notice thereof at least 20 days prior to such Record Date to each Record Holder as of a date not less than 10 days prior to the date of such notice. The General Partner also may cause a firm of independent public accountants selected by it to calculate the number of Partnership Securities to be held by each Record Holder after giving effect to such distribution, subdivision or combination. The General Partner shall be entitled to rely on any certificate provided by such firm as conclusive evidence of the accuracy of such calculation.

(c) Promptly following any such distribution, subdivision or combination, the Partnership may issue Certificates to the Record Holders of Partnership Securities as of the applicable Record Date representing the new number of Partnership Securities held by such Record Holders, or the General Partner may adopt such other procedures as it may deem appropriate to reflect such changes. If any such combination results in a smaller total number of Partnership Securities Outstanding, the Partnership shall require, as a condition to the delivery to a Record Holder of such new Certificate, the surrender of any Certificate held by such Record Holder immediately prior to such Record Date.

 

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(d) The Partnership shall not issue fractional Partnership Securities upon any distribution, subdivision, combination, or conversion of any such Partnership Security. Except as provided in Article XIX, if a distribution, subdivision, combination or conversion of a Partnership Security would result in the issuance of fractional Partnership Securities but for the provisions of this Section  5.8(d) , each fractional Partnership Security shall be rounded to the nearest whole Partnership Security (and a 0.5 Partnership Security shall be rounded to the next higher Partnership Security).

SECTION 5.9 Fully Paid and Non-Assessable Nature of Limited Partner Interests.

All Limited Partner Interests issued pursuant to, and in accordance with the requirements of, this Article  V , Article  XVI , Article  XVII , Article  XVIII or Article  XIX shall be fully paid and non-assessable Limited Partner Interests in the Partnership, except as such non-assessability may be affected by Sections 17-303(a), 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware Act.

ARTICLE VI

ALLOCATIONS AND DISTRIBUTIONS

SECTION 6.1 Allocations for Capital Account Purposes.

For purposes of maintaining the Capital Accounts and in determining the rights of the Partners among themselves, the Partnership’s items of income, gain, loss and deduction (computed in accordance with Section  5.4(b) ) shall be allocated among the Partners in each taxable year (or portion thereof) as provided herein below. For purposes of making allocations under this Section  6.1 , a Person shall be considered as the holder solely of the class of Partnership Interests to which such allocation relates.

(a) Net Income . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section  6.1(d) , Net Income for each taxable year and all items of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Income for such taxable year shall be allocated as follows:

(i) First, 100% to the General Partner in an amount equal to the aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section  6.1(b)(iv) for all previous taxable years until the aggregate Net Income allocated to the General Partner pursuant to this Section  6.1(a)(i) for the current taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal to the aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section  6.1(b)(iv) for all previous taxable years;

(ii) Second, to all Preferred Holders, in proportion to, and to the extent of the Net Loss allocated to such Preferred Holders pursuant to Section  6.1(b)(iii) for all previous taxable periods, until the aggregate amount of Net Income allocated to such Preferred Holders pursuant to this Section  6.1(a)(ii) for the current and all previous taxable periods is equal to the aggregate amount of Net Loss allocated to such Preferred Holders pursuant to Section  6.1(b)(iii) for all previous taxable periods; provided that in no event shall Net Income be allocated to any such Preferred Holder to cause its Capital Account in respect of a Preferred Unit to exceed the Stated Liquidation Preference for such Preferred Unit;

 

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(iii) Third, 2% to the General Partner in an amount equal to the aggregate Net Losses allocated to the General Partner pursuant to Section  6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable years and 98% to the Unitholders, until the aggregate Net Income allocated to such Partners pursuant to this Section  6.1(a)(iii) for the current taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal to the aggregate Net Losses allocated to such Partners pursuant to Section  6.1(b)(ii) for all previous taxable years; and

(iv) Fourth, the balance, if any, 2% to the General Partner and 98% to the Unitholders in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

(b) Net Losses . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section  6.1(d) , Net Losses for each taxable period and all items of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Losses for such taxable period shall be allocated as follows:

(i) First, 2% to the General Partner and 98% to the Unitholders, Pro Rata, until the aggregate Net Losses allocated pursuant to this Section  6.1(b)(i) for the current taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal to the aggregate Net Income allocated to such Partners pursuant to Section  6.1(a)(iv) for all previous taxable years, provided that the Net Losses shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section  6.1(b)(i) to the extent that such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable year (or increase any existing deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account);

(ii) Second, 2% to the General Partner and 98% to the Unitholders, Pro Rata; provided , that Net Losses shall not be allocated pursuant to this Section  6.1(b)(ii) to the extent that such allocation would cause any Unitholder to have a deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account at the end of such taxable year (or increase any existing deficit balance in its Adjusted Capital Account);

(iii) Third, to all Preferred Holders, Pro Rata, in proportion to the Stated Liquidation Preferences, until the Adjusted Capital Account in respect of each Preferred Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero; and

(iv) Fourth, the balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.

(c) Net Termination Gains and Losses . After giving effect to the special allocations set forth in Section  6.1(d) , all items of income, gain, loss and deduction taken into account in computing Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss for such taxable period shall be allocated in the same manner as such Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss is allocated hereunder. All allocations under this Section  6.1(c) shall be made after Capital Account balances have been adjusted by all other allocations provided under this Section  6.1 and after all distributions of Available Cash provided under Sections 6.4 and 6.5 have been made; provided , however , that solely for purposes of this Section  6.1(c) , Capital Accounts shall not be adjusted for distributions made pursuant to Section  12.4 .

 

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(i) If a Net Termination Gain is recognized (or deemed recognized pursuant to Section  5.4(d) ), such Net Termination Gain shall be allocated among the General Partner and the Limited Partners in the following manner (and the Capital Accounts of the Partners shall be increased by the amount so allocated in each of the following subclauses, in the order listed, before an allocation is made pursuant to the next succeeding subclause):

(A) First, to each Partner having a deficit balance in its Capital Account, in the proportion that such deficit balance bears to the total deficit balances in the Capital Accounts of all Partners, until each such Partner has been allocated Net Termination Gain equal to any such deficit balance in its Capital Account;

(B) Second, 98% to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Capital plus (2) the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for the Quarter during which the Liquidation Date occurs, reduced by any distribution pursuant to Section  6.4(a)(i) with respect to such Common Unit for such Quarter (the amount determined pursuant to this clause (2) is hereinafter defined as the “ Unpaid MQD ”);

(C) [reserved];

(D) Third, 90% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 8% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner until the Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding is equal to the sum of (1) its Unrecovered Capital, plus (2) the Unpaid MQD, plus (3) the excess of (aa) the First Target Distribution less the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for each Quarter of the Partnership’s existence over (bb) the cumulative per Unit amount of any distributions of Operating Surplus that was distributed pursuant to Section  6.4(a)(ii) (the sum of (1) plus (2) plus (3) is hereinafter defined as the “ First Liquidation Target Amount ”); and

(E) Finally, any remaining amount 75% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 23% to the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner.

(ii) If a Net Termination Loss is recognized (or deemed recognized pursuant to Section  5.4(d) ), such Net Termination Loss shall be allocated among the Partners in the following manner:

(A) [reserved];

(B) First, 98% to all Unitholders holding Common Units, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner until the Adjusted Capital Account in respect of each Common Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero;

 

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(C) Second, to all Preferred Holders, Pro Rata, in proportion to the Stated Liquidation Preferences, until the Adjusted Capital Account in respect of each Preferred Unit then Outstanding has been reduced to zero; and

(D) Third, the balance, if any, 100% to the General Partner.

(d) Special Allocations . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section  6.1 , the following special allocations shall be made for such taxable period:

(i) Partnership Minimum Gain Chargeback . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section  6.1 , if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period, each Partner shall be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(f)(6), 1.704-2(g)(2) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(i), or any successor provision. For purposes of this Section  6.1(d) , each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of any other allocations pursuant to this Section  6.1(d) with respect to such taxable period (other than an allocation pursuant to Sections 6.1(d)(vi) and 6.1(d)(vii) ). This Section  6.1(d)(i) is intended to comply with the Partnership Minimum Gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

(ii) Chargeback of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain . Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Section  6.1 (other than Section  6.1(d)(i) ), except as provided in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4), if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain during any Partnership taxable period, any Partner with a share of Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain at the beginning of such taxable period shall be allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such period (and, if necessary, subsequent periods) in the manner and amounts provided in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2)(ii), or any successor provisions. For purposes of this Section  6.1(d) , each Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account balance shall be determined, and the allocation of income or gain required hereunder shall be effected, prior to the application of any other allocations pursuant to this Section  6.1(d) , other than Section  6.1(d)(i) and other than an allocation pursuant to Sections  6.1(d)(vi) and 6.1(d)(vii) , with respect to such taxable period. This Section  6.1(d)(ii) is intended to comply with the chargeback of items of income and gain requirement in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

(iii) Priority Allocations .

(A) If the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of any property distributed (except cash or property distributed pursuant to Section  12.4 ) to any Unitholder with respect to its Units for a taxable year is greater (on a per Unit basis) than the amount of cash or the Net Agreed Value of property distributed to the other Unitholders with respect to their Units (on a per Unit

 

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basis), then (1) each Unitholder receiving such greater cash or property distribution shall be allocated gross income in an amount equal to the product of (aa) the amount by which the distribution (on a per Unit basis) to such Unitholder exceeds the distribution (on a per Unit basis) to the Unitholders receiving the smallest distribution and (bb) the number of Units owned by the Unitholder receiving the greater distribution; and (2) the General Partner shall be allocated gross income in an aggregate amount equal to 2/98th of the sum of the amounts allocated in clause (1) above.

(B) After the application of Section  6.1(d)(iii)(A) , all or any portion of the remaining items of Partnership gross income or gain for the taxable period, if any, shall be allocated 100% to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, until the aggregate amount of such items allocated to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this Section  6.1(d)(iii)(B) for the current taxable year and all previous taxable years is equal to the cumulative amount of all Incentive Distributions made to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights from the Closing Date to a date 45 days after the end of the current taxable year.

(iv) Qualified Income Offset . In the event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the deficit balance, if any, in its Adjusted Capital Account created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as possible unless such deficit balance is otherwise eliminated pursuant to Section  6.1(d)(i) or (ii) .

(v) Gross Income Allocations . In the event any Partner has a deficit balance in its Capital Account at the end of any Partnership taxable period in excess of the sum of (A) the amount such Partner is required to restore pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement and (B) the amount such Partner is deemed obligated to restore pursuant to Treasury Regulation Sections 1.704-2(g) and 1.704-2(i)(5), such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership gross income and gain in the amount of such excess as quickly as possible; provided , that an allocation pursuant to this Section  6.1(d)(v) shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit balance in its Capital Account as adjusted after all other allocations provided for in this Section  6.1 have been tentatively made as if this Section  6.1(d)(v) were not in this Agreement.

(vi) Nonrecourse Deductions . Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated to the Partners in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests. If the General Partner determines in its good faith discretion that the Partnership’s Nonrecourse Deductions must be allocated in a different ratio to satisfy the safe harbor requirements of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, the General Partner is authorized, upon notice to the other Partners, to revise the prescribed ratio to the numerically closest ratio that does satisfy such requirements.

 

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(vii) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions . Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any taxable period shall be allocated 100% to the Partner that bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-2(i). If more than one Partner bears the Economic Risk of Loss with respect to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt, such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions attributable thereto shall be allocated between or among such Partners in accordance with the ratios in which they share such Economic Risk of Loss.

(viii) Nonrecourse Liabilities . For purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3), the Partners agree that Nonrecourse Liabilities of the Partnership in excess of the sum of (A) the amount of Partnership Minimum Gain and (B) the total amount of Nonrecourse Built-in Gain shall be allocated among the Partners in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

(ix) Code Section  754 Adjustments . To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset pursuant to Section 734(b) or 743(c) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts, the amount of such adjustment to the Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the asset) or loss (if the adjustment decreases such basis), and such item of gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in a manner consistent with the manner in which their Capital Accounts are required to be adjusted pursuant to such Section of the Treasury Regulations.

(x) Curative Allocation .

(A) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section  6.1 , other than the Required Allocations, the Required Allocations shall be taken into account in making the Agreed Allocations so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocated to each Partner pursuant to the Required Allocations and the Agreed Allocations, together, shall be equal to the net amount of such items that would have been allocated to each such Partner under the Agreed Allocations had the Required Allocations and the related Curative Allocation not otherwise been provided in this Section  6.1 . Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Required Allocations relating to (1) Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to the extent that there has been a decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain and (2) Partner Nonrecourse Deductions shall not be taken into account except to the extent that there has been a decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain. Allocations pursuant to this Section  6.1(d)(x)(A) shall only be made with respect to Required Allocations to the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that such allocations will otherwise be inconsistent with the economic agreement among the Partners. Further, allocations pursuant to this Section  6.1(d)(x)(A) shall be deferred with respect to allocations pursuant to clauses (1) and (2) hereof to the extent the General Partner reasonably determines that such allocations are likely to be offset by subsequent Required Allocations.

 

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(B) The General Partner shall have reasonable discretion, with respect to each taxable period, to (1) apply the provisions of Section  6.1(d)(x)(A) in whatever order is most likely to minimize the economic distortions that might otherwise result from the Required Allocations, and (2) divide all allocations pursuant to Section  6.1(d)(x)(A) among the Partners in a manner that is likely to minimize such economic distortions.

(xi) Corrective and Other Allocations. In the event of any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items or any Book-Down Event or any recognition of a Net Termination Loss, the following rules shall apply:

(A) Except as provided in Section  6.1(d)(xi)(B) , in the case of any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items (other than an allocation of Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss under Section  5.4(d) hereof) with respect to any Partnership property, the General Partner shall allocate such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items (1) to (aa) the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights and (bb) the General Partner in the same manner that the Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such property is allocated pursuant to Section  5.4(d)(i) or Section  5.4(d)(ii) and (2) to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, to the extent that the Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such property is allocated to any Unitholders pursuant to Section  5.4(d)(i) or Section  5.4(d)(ii) .

(B) In the case of any allocation of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items (other than an allocation of Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss under Section  5.4(d) hereof or an allocation of Net Termination Gain or Net Termination Loss pursuant to Section  6.1(c) hereof) as a result of a sale or other taxable disposition of any Partnership asset that is an Adjusted Property (“ Disposed of Adjusted Property ”), the General Partner shall allocate (1) additional items of income and gain (aa) away from the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights and the General Partner and (bb) to the Unitholders, or (2) additional items of deduction and loss (aa) away from the Unitholders and (bb) to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights and the General Partner, to the extent that the Additional Book Basis Derivative Items allocated to the Unitholders exceed their Share of Additional Book Basis Derivative Items with respect to such Disposed of Adjusted Property. For this purpose, the Unitholders shall be treated as being allocated Additional Book Basis Derivative Items to the extent that such Additional Book Basis Derivative Items have reduced the amount of income that would otherwise have been allocated to the Partners under this Agreement (e.g., Additional Book Basis Derivative Items taken into account in computing cost of goods sold would reduce the amount of book income otherwise available for allocation among the Partners). Any allocation made pursuant to this Section  6.1(d)(xi)(B) shall be made after all of the other Agreed Allocations have been made as if this Section  6.1(d)(xi) were not in this Agreement and, to the extent necessary, shall require the reallocation of items that have been allocated pursuant to such other Agreed Allocations.

 

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(C) In the case of any negative adjustments to the Capital Accounts of the Partners resulting from a Book-Down Event or from the recognition of a Net Termination Loss, such negative adjustment (1) shall first be allocated, to the extent of the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments, in such a manner, as reasonably determined by the General Partner, that to the extent possible the aggregate Capital Accounts of the Partners will equal the amount which would have been the Capital Account balance of the Partners if no prior Book-Up Events had occurred, and (2) any negative adjustment in excess of the Aggregate Remaining Net Positive Adjustments shall be allocated pursuant to Section  6.1(c) hereof.

(D) In making the allocations required under this Section  6.1(d)(xi) , the General Partner, in its sole discretion, may apply whatever conventions or other methodology it deems reasonable to satisfy the purpose of this Section  6.1(d)(xi) .

(xii) Preferred Unit Allocations.

(A) Income of the Partnership attributable to the issuance by the Partnership of a Preferred Unit for an amount in excess of the Stated Liquidation Preference for such Preferred Unit shall be allocated to the Partners (other than Preferred Holders) in accordance with their respective Percentage Interests.

(B) Net Termination Gain, if any, for the taxable period (or, to the extent necessary, items of income and gain for the taxable period) shall be allocated to each Preferred Holder in proportion to, and to the extent of, an amount equal to the excess, if any, of (x) the Stated Liquidation Preference with respect to such holder’s Preferred Units, over (y) such holder’s existing Capital Account balance in respect of its Preferred Units, until the Capital Account balance of each such holder in respect of its Preferred Units is equal to the Stated Liquidation Preference in respect of such Preferred Units.

SECTION 6.2 Allocations for Tax Purposes.

(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, for federal income tax purposes, each item of income, gain, loss and deduction shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of “ book ” income, gain, loss or deduction is allocated pursuant to Section  6.1 .

 

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(b) In an attempt to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities attributable to a Contributed Property or Adjusted Property, items of income, gain, loss, depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions shall be allocated for federal income tax purposes among the Partners as follows:

(i) In the case of a Contributed Property, such items attributable thereto shall be allocated among the Partners in the manner provided under Section 704(c) of the Code that takes into account the variation between the Agreed Value of such property and its adjusted basis at the time of contribution; and any item of Residual Gain or Residual Loss attributable to a Contributed Property shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of “ book ” gain or loss is allocated pursuant to Section  6.1 .

(ii) In the case of an Adjusted Property, such items shall (1) first, be allocated among the Partners in a manner consistent with the principles of Section 704(c) of the Code to take into account the Unrealized Gain or Unrealized Loss attributable to such property and the allocations thereof pursuant to Section  5.4(d)(i) or 5.4(d)(ii) , and (2) second, in the event such property was originally a Contributed Property, be allocated among the Partners in a manner consistent with Section  6.2(b)(i)(A) ; and any item of Residual Gain or Residual Loss attributable to an Adjusted Property shall be allocated among the Partners in the same manner as its correlative item of “ book ” gain or loss is allocated pursuant to Section  6.1 .

(iii) The General Partner shall apply the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(d) to eliminate Book-Tax Disparities.

(c) For the proper administration of the Partnership and for the preservation of uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof), the General Partner shall have sole discretion to (i) adopt such conventions as it deems appropriate in determining the amount of depreciation, amortization and cost recovery deductions; (ii) make special allocations for federal income tax purposes of income (including, without limitation, gross income) or deductions; and (iii) amend the provisions of this Agreement as appropriate (x) to reflect the proposal or promulgation of Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) or Section 704(c) of the Code or (y) otherwise to preserve or achieve uniformity of the Limited Partner Interests (or any class or classes thereof). The General Partner may adopt such conventions, make such allocations and make such amendments to this Agreement as provided in this Section  6.2(c) only if such conventions, allocations or amendments would not have a material adverse effect on the Partners, the holders of any class or classes of Limited Partner Interests issued and Outstanding or the Partnership, and if such allocations are consistent with the principles of Section 704 of the Code.

(d) The General Partner in its discretion may determine to depreciate or amortize the portion of an adjustment under Section 743(b) of the Code attributable to unrealized appreciation in any Adjusted Property (to the extent of the unamortized Book-Tax Disparity) using a predetermined rate derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful life applied to the Partnership’s common basis of such property, despite any inconsistency of such approach with Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6), or any successor regulations thereto. If the General Partner determines that such reporting position cannot reasonably be taken, the General Partner may adopt depreciation and amortization conventions under which all purchasers acquiring Limited Partner Interests in the same month would receive depreciation and amortization deductions, based upon the same applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in the Partnership’s property. If the General Partner chooses not to utilize such aggregate

 

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method, the General Partner may use any other reasonable depreciation and amortization conventions to preserve the uniformity of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any Limited Partner Interests that would not have a material adverse effect on the Limited Partners or the Record Holders of any class or classes of Limited Partner Interests.

(e) Any gain allocated to the Partners upon the sale or other taxable disposition of any Partnership asset shall, to the extent possible, after taking into account other required allocations of gain pursuant to this Section  6.2 , be characterized as Recapture Income in the same proportions and to the same extent as such Partners (or their predecessors in interest) have been allocated any deductions directly or indirectly giving rise to the treatment of such gains as Recapture Income.

(f) All items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit recognized by the Partnership for federal income tax purposes and allocated to the Partners in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be determined without regard to any election under Section 754 of the Code which may be made by the Partnership; provided , however , that such allocations, once made, shall be adjusted as necessary or appropriate to take into account those adjustments permitted or required by Sections 734 and 743 of the Code.

(g) Each item of Partnership income, gain, loss and deduction attributable to a transferred Partnership Interest, shall for federal income tax purposes, be determined on an annual basis and prorated on a monthly basis and shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on the first Business Day of each month; provided , however , that (i) such items for the period beginning on the Closing Date and ending on the last day of the month in which the Option Closing Date or the expiration of the Over-allotment Option occurs shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on the first Business Day of the next succeeding month; and provided , further , that gain or loss on a sale or other disposition of any assets of the Partnership other than in the ordinary course of business shall be allocated to the Partners as of the opening of the New York Stock Exchange on the first Business Day of the month in which such gain or loss is recognized for federal income tax purposes. The General Partner may revise, alter or otherwise modify such methods of allocation as it determines necessary, to the extent permitted or required by Section 706 of the Code and the regulations or rulings promulgated thereunder.

(h) Allocations that would otherwise be made to a Limited Partner under the provisions of this Article  VI shall instead be made to the beneficial owner of Limited Partner Interests held by a nominee in any case in which the nominee has furnished the identity of such owner to the Partnership in accordance with Section 6031(c) of the Code or any other method acceptable to the General Partner in its sole discretion.

(i) If, as a result of an exercise of a Noncompensatory Option, a Capital Account reallocation is required under Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3), the General Partner shall make corrective allocations pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(4)(x). In the event such corrective allocations are necessary, the holder of Series D Conversion Common Units agrees to remain a partner of the Partnership with respect to its Series D Conversion Common Units until such allocations are completed, and the General Partner agrees to make such allocations as soon as practicable, even if such allocations are not consistent with Section 706 of the Code and any Treasury Regulations thereunder.

 

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SECTION 6.3 Requirement and Characterization of Distributions; Distributions to Record Holders.

(a) Within 45 days following the end of each Quarter, an amount equal to 100% of Available Cash with respect to such Quarter shall, subject to Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act, be distributed in accordance with this Article  VI by the Partnership to the Partners as of the Record Date selected by the General Partner in its reasonable discretion. All amounts of Available Cash distributed by the Partnership on any date from any source shall be deemed to be Operating Surplus until the sum of all amounts of Available Cash theretofore distributed by the Partnership to the Partners pursuant to Section  6.4 equals the amount of Operating Surplus as calculated with respect to the Quarter in respect of which such distribution of Available Cash is to be made through the close of the Quarter. Any remaining amounts of Available Cash distributed by the Partnership on such date shall, except as otherwise provided in Section  6.5 , be deemed to be “ Capital Surplus .” All distributions required to be made under this Agreement shall be made subject to Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act. This Section  6.3(a) (except for the second to the last sentence of this Section  6.3(a) ) shall not apply to Preferred Units.

(b) Notwithstanding Section  6.3(a) , in the event of the dissolution and liquidation of the Partnership, all receipts received during or after the Quarter in which the Liquidation Date occurs, other than from borrowings described in (a)(ii) of the definition of Available Cash, shall be applied and distributed solely in accordance with, and subject to the terms and conditions of, Section  12.4 .

(c) The General Partner shall have the discretion to treat taxes paid by the Partnership on behalf of, or amounts withheld with respect to, all or less than all of the Partners, as a distribution of Available Cash to such Partners.

(d) Each distribution in respect of a Partnership Interest shall be paid by the Partnership, directly or through the Transfer Agent or through any other Person or agent, only to the Record Holder of such Partnership Interest as of the Record Date set for such distribution. Such payment shall constitute full payment and satisfaction of the Partnership’s liability in respect of such payment, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have an interest in such payment by reason of an assignment or otherwise.

SECTION 6.4 Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus.

(a) Available Cash with respect to any Quarter that is deemed to be Operating Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section  6.3 or 6.5 , subject to Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act, shall be distributed as follows, subject to Section  16.3 in respect of Series A Preferred Units described therein, Section  17.3 in respect of Series B Preferred Units described therein, Section  18.3 in respect of Series C Preferred Units described therein and Section  19.3 in respect of Series D Preferred Units described therein and except as otherwise required by (i)  Section  5.5(b) in respect of additional Partnership Securities issued pursuant thereto or (ii)  Section  6.4(b) in respect of Incentive Distribution Rights during the Acquisition Waiver Period:

(i) First, 98% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner until there has been distributed in respect of each Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter;

 

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(ii) Second, 90% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 8% to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner until there has been distributed in respect of each such Unit then Outstanding an amount equal to the excess of the First Target Distribution over the Minimum Quarterly Distribution for such Quarter; and

(iii) Thereafter, 75% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, 23% to the holders of Incentive Distribution Rights, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner;

provided , however , if the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and the First Target Distribution have been reduced to zero pursuant to the second sentence of Section  6.6(a) , the distribution of Available Cash that is deemed to be Operating Surplus with respect to any Quarter will be made solely in accordance with Section  6.4(a)(iii) . No distributions shall be made with respect to Preferred Units pursuant to this Section  6.4 and shall instead be made in accordance with Section  16.3 , Section  17.3 , Section  18.3 and Section  19.3 .

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, distributions of Available Cash, if any, to the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to Section  6.4(a) with respect to each Quarter within the Acquisition Waiver Period shall be reduced by the amount that would have been distributed to the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights in respect of the Waiver Period Units for such Quarter; provided, however , that the aggregate reduction in distributions to the holder of the Incentive Distribution Rights pursuant to this Section  6.4(b) shall not exceed $22 million.

SECTION 6.5 Distributions of Available Cash from Capital Surplus.

Available Cash that is deemed to be Capital Surplus pursuant to the provisions of Section  6.3(a) shall, subject to Section  16.3 , Section  17.3 , Section  18.3 and Section  19.3 in respect of Preferred Units and subject to Section 17-607 of the Delaware Act, be distributed, unless the provisions of Section  6.3 require otherwise, 98% to all Unitholders, Pro Rata, and 2% to the General Partner until a hypothetical holder of a Common Unit acquired on the Closing Date has received with respect to such Common Unit, during the period since the Closing Date through such date, distributions of Available Cash that are deemed to be Capital Surplus in an aggregate amount equal to the Initial Unit Price. Thereafter, all Available Cash shall be distributed as if it were Operating Surplus and shall be distributed in accordance with Section  6.4 .

 

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SECTION 6.6 Adjustment of Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target Distribution Levels.

(a) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution and First Target Distribution shall be proportionately adjusted in the event of any distribution, combination or subdivision (whether effected by a distribution payable in Units or otherwise) of Units or other Partnership Securities in accordance with Section  5.8 . In the event of a distribution of Available Cash that is deemed to be from Capital Surplus, the then applicable Minimum Quarterly Distribution and First Target Distribution shall be adjusted proportionately downward to equal the product obtained by multiplying the otherwise applicable Minimum Quarterly Distribution and First Target Distribution, as the case may be, by a fraction of which the numerator is the Unrecovered Capital of the Common Units immediately after giving effect to such distribution and of which the denominator is the Unrecovered Capital of the Common Units immediately prior to giving effect to such distribution.

(b) The Minimum Quarterly Distribution and First Target Distribution shall also be subject to adjustment pursuant to Section  6.10 .

SECTION 6.7 Reserved.

SECTION 6.8 Special Provisions Relating to the Holders of Incentive Distribution Rights.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the holders of the Incentive Distribution Rights (a) shall (i) possess the rights and obligations provided in this Agreement with respect to a Limited Partner pursuant to Articles III and VII and (ii) have a Capital Account as a Partner pursuant to Section  5.4 and all other provisions related thereto and (b) shall not (i) be entitled to vote on any matters requiring the approval or vote of the holders of Outstanding Units, (ii) be entitled to any distributions other than as provided in Sections  6.4(a)(ii) , 6.4(a)(iii) , 6.4(b) and 12.4 or (iii) be allocated items of income, gain, loss or deduction other than as specified in this Article  VI .

SECTION 6.9 Special Provisions Relating to Series D Conversion Common Units.

Subject to any applicable transfer restrictions in Section  4.8 or Section  19.9 , the holder of a Series D Conversion Common Unit shall provide notice to the Partnership of the transfer of any such Series D Conversion Common Unit, as applicable, by the earlier of (i) 30 days following such transfer and (ii) the last Business Day of the calendar year during which such transfer occurred, unless, with respect to a transfer of Series D Conversion Common Unit, by virtue of the application of Section  5.4(d) or Section  6.2(i) , the Partnership has previously determined, based on the advice of counsel, that the transferred Series D Conversion Common Unit should have, as a substantive matter, like intrinsic economic and federal income tax characteristics of an Initial Common Unit. In connection with the condition imposed by this Section  6.9 , the Partnership shall take whatever steps are required to provide economic uniformity to the Series D Conversion Common Unit in preparation for a transfer of such Unit; provided, however, that no such steps may be taken that would have a material adverse effect on the Unitholders holding Common Units (for this purpose the allocations of income, gain, loss and deductions, and the making of any guaranteed payments or any reallocation of Capital Account balances, among the Partners in accordance with Section  5.4(d) , Section  6.2(i) and Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s)(3) with respect to Series D Conversion Common Units will be deemed not to have a material adverse effect on the Unitholders holding Common Units).

 

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SECTION 6.10 Entity-Level Taxation.

If legislation is enacted or the interpretation of existing language is modified by the relevant governmental authority which causes the Partnership or the Operating Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise subjects the Partnership or the Operating Partnership to entity-level taxation for federal, state or local income tax purposes, the then applicable Minimum Quarterly Distribution and First Target Distribution shall be adjusted to equal the product obtained by multiplying (a) the amount thereof by (b) one minus the sum of (i) the highest marginal federal corporate (or other entity, as applicable) income tax rate of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership for the taxable year of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership in which such Quarter occurs (expressed as a percentage) plus (ii) the effective overall state and local income tax rate (expressed as a percentage) applicable to the Partnership or the Operating Partnership for the calendar year next preceding the calendar year in which such Quarter occurs (after taking into account the benefit of any deduction allowable for federal income tax purposes with respect to the payment of state and local income taxes), but only to the extent of the increase in such rates resulting from such legislation or interpretation. Such effective overall state and local income tax rate shall be determined for the taxable year next preceding the first taxable year during which the Partnership or the Operating Partnership is taxable for federal income tax purposes as an association taxable as a corporation or is otherwise subject to entity-level taxation by determining such rate as if the Partnership or the Operating Partnership had been subject to such state and local taxes during such preceding taxable year.

ARTICLE VII

MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF BUSINESS

SECTION 7.1 Management.

(a) The General Partner shall conduct, direct and manage all activities of the Partnership. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, all management powers over the business and affairs of the Partnership shall be exclusively vested in the General Partner, and no Limited Partner or Assignee shall have any management power over the business and affairs of the Partnership. In addition to the powers now or hereafter granted a general partner of a limited partnership under applicable law or which are granted to the General Partner under any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner, subject to Section  7.3 , shall have full power and authority to do all things and on such terms as it, in its sole discretion, may deem necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the Partnership, to exercise all powers set forth in Section  2.5 and to effectuate the purposes set forth in Section  2.4 , including the following:

(i) the making of any expenditures, the lending or borrowing of money, the assumption or guarantee of, or other contracting for, indebtedness and other liabilities, the issuance of evidences of indebtedness, including indebtedness that is convertible into Partnership Securities, and the incurring of any other obligations;

(ii) the making of tax, regulatory and other filings, or rendering of periodic or other reports to governmental or other agencies having jurisdiction over the business or assets of the Partnership;

 

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(iii) the acquisition, disposition, mortgage, pledge, encumbrance, hypothecation or exchange of any or all of the assets of the Partnership or the merger or other combination of the Partnership with or into another Person (the matters described in this clause (iii) being subject, however, to any prior approval that may be required by Section  7.3 );

(iv) the use of the assets of the Partnership (including cash on hand) for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement, including the financing of the conduct of the operations of the Partnership Group; subject to Section  7.6(a) , the lending of funds to other Persons (including the Operating Partnership); the repayment of obligations of the Partnership Group and the making of capital contributions to any member of the Partnership Group;

(v) the negotiation, execution and performance of any contracts, conveyances or other instruments (including instruments that limit the liability of the Partnership under contractual arrangements to all or particular assets of the Partnership, with the other party to the contract to have no recourse against the General Partner or its assets other than its interest in the Partnership, even if same results in the terms of the transaction being less favorable to the Partnership than would otherwise be the case);

(vi) the distribution of Partnership cash;

(vii) the selection and dismissal of employees (including employees having titles such as “ president ,” “ vice president ,” “ secretary ” and “ treasurer ”) and agents, outside attorneys, accountants, consultants and contractors and the determination of their compensation and other terms of employment or hiring;

(viii) the maintenance of such insurance for the benefit of the Partnership Group and the Partners as it deems necessary or appropriate;

(ix) the formation of, or acquisition of an interest in, and the contribution of property and the making of loans to, any further limited or general partnerships, joint ventures, corporations or other relationships (including the acquisition of interests in, and the contributions of property to, the Operating Partnership from time to time) subject to the restrictions set forth in Section  2.4 ;

(x) the control of any matters affecting the rights and obligations of the Partnership, including the bringing and defending of actions at law or in equity and otherwise engaging in the conduct of litigation and the incurring of legal expense and the settlement of claims and litigation;

(xi) the indemnification of any Person against liabilities and contingencies to the extent permitted by law;

(xii) the entering into of listing agreements with any National Securities Exchange and the delisting of some or all of the Limited Partner Interests from, or requesting that trading be suspended on, any such exchange (subject to any prior approval that may be required under Section  4.8 );

 

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(xiii) unless restricted or prohibited by Section  5.5 , the purchase, sale or other acquisition or disposition of Partnership Securities, or the issuance of additional options, rights, warrants and appreciation rights relating to Partnership Securities; and

(xiv) the undertaking of any action in connection with the Partnership’s ownership or operation of any Group Member, including exercising, on behalf and for the benefit of the Partnership, the Partnership’s rights as the sole stockholder of the Operating General Partner.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Operating Partnership Agreement, the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation, each of the Partners and the Assignees and each other Person who may acquire an interest in Partnership Securities hereby (i) approves, ratifies and confirms the execution, delivery and performance by the parties thereto of the Operating Partnership Agreement, the Underwriting Agreement, the Contribution Agreement, and the other agreements described in or filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement that are related to the transactions contemplated by the Registration Statement; (ii) agrees that the General Partner (on its own or through any officer of the Partnership) is authorized to execute, deliver and perform the agreements referred to in clause (i) of this sentence and the other agreements, acts, transactions and matters described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement on behalf of the Partnership without any further act, approval or vote of the Partners or the Assignees or the other Persons who may acquire an interest in Partnership Securities; and (iii) agrees that the execution, delivery or performance by the General Partner, any Group Member or any Affiliate of any of them, of this Agreement or any agreement authorized or permitted under this Agreement (including the exercise by the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner of the rights accorded pursuant to Article  XV ), shall not constitute a breach by the General Partner of any duty that the General Partner may owe the Partnership or the Limited Partners or any other Persons under this Agreement (or any other agreements) or of any duty stated or implied by law or equity.

SECTION 7.2 Certificate of Limited Partnership.

NuStar GP caused the initial Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership and the General Partner has caused the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership and the Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership and each amendment thereto to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the Delaware Act and the General Partner shall use all reasonable efforts to cause to be filed such other certificates or documents as may be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be reasonable and necessary or appropriate for the formation, continuation, qualification and operation of a limited partnership (or a partnership in which the limited partners have limited liability) in the State of Delaware or any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. To the extent that such action is determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion to be reasonable and necessary or appropriate, the General Partner shall file amendments to and restatements of the Certificate of Limited Partnership and do all things to maintain the Partnership as a limited partnership (or a partnership or other entity in which the limited partners have limited liability) under the laws of the State of Delaware or of any other state in which the Partnership may elect to do business or own property. Subject to the terms of Section  3.4(a) , the General Partner shall not be required, before or after filing, to deliver or mail a copy of the Certificate of Limited Partnership, any qualification document or any amendment thereto or restatement thereof to any Limited Partner.

 

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SECTION 7.3 Restrictions on General Partner s Authority.

(a) The General Partner may not, without written approval of the specific act by holders of all of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests or by other written instrument executed and delivered by holders of all of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests subsequent to the date of this Agreement, take any action in contravention of this Agreement, including, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (i) committing any act that would make it impossible to carry on the ordinary business of the Partnership; (ii) possessing Partnership property, or assigning any rights in specific Partnership property, for other than a Partnership purpose; (iii) admitting a Person as a Partner; (iv) amending this Agreement in any manner; or (v) transferring its interest as general partner of the Partnership.

(b) Except as provided in Articles  XII and XIV , the General Partner may not sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Partnership’s assets in a single transaction or a series of related transactions (including by way of merger, consolidation or other combination) or approve on behalf of the Partnership the sale, exchange or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Operating Partnership, taken as a whole, without the approval of holders of a Unit Majority; provided , however , that this provision shall not preclude or limit the General Partner’s ability to mortgage, pledge, hypothecate or grant a security interest in all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership and shall not apply to any forced sale of any or all of the assets of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership pursuant to the foreclosure of, or other realization upon, any such encumbrance. Without the approval of holders of a Unit Majority, the General Partner shall not, on behalf of the Partnership, (i) consent to any amendment to the Operating Partnership Agreement or, except as expressly permitted by Section  7.9(d) , take any action permitted to be taken by a partner of the Operating Partnership, in either case, that would have a material adverse effect on the Partnership as a partner of the Operating Partnership or the holders of Common Units (other than the General Partner and its Affiliates) or (ii) except as permitted under Sections 4.6 , 11.1 and 11.2 , elect or cause the Partnership to elect a successor general partner.

SECTION 7.4 Reimbursement of the General Partner.

(a) Except as provided in this Section  7.4 and elsewhere in this Agreement or in the Operating Partnership Agreement, the General Partner shall not be compensated for its services as general partner of any Group Member.

(b) Subject to the provisions of the Services Agreement, the General Partner shall be reimbursed on a monthly basis, or such other reasonable basis as the General Partner may determine in its sole discretion, for (i) all direct and indirect expenses it incurs or payments it makes on behalf of the Partnership (including salary, bonus, incentive compensation and other amounts paid to any Person including Affiliates of the General Partner to perform services for the Partnership or for the General Partner in the discharge of its duties to the Partnership), and (ii) all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to the Partnership or otherwise reasonably incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the Partnership’s

 

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business (including expenses allocated to the General Partner by its Affiliates). The General Partner shall determine the expenses that are allocable to the Partnership in any reasonable manner determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion. Reimbursements pursuant to this Section  7.4 shall be in addition to any reimbursement to the General Partner as a result of indemnification pursuant to Section  7.7 .

(c) Subject to Section  5.5 , the General Partner, in its sole discretion and without the approval of the Limited Partners (who shall have no right to vote in respect thereof), may propose and adopt on behalf of the Partnership employee benefit plans, employee programs and employee practices (including plans, programs and practices involving the issuance of Partnership Securities or options to purchase Partnership Securities), or cause the Partnership to issue Partnership Securities in connection with, or pursuant to, any employee benefit plan, employee program or employee practice maintained or sponsored by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, in each case for the benefit of employees of the General Partner, any Group Member or any Affiliate, or any of them, in respect of services performed, directly or indirectly, for the benefit of the Partnership Group. The Partnership agrees to issue and sell to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates any Partnership Securities that the General Partner or such Affiliate is obligated to provide to any employees pursuant to any such employee benefit plans, employee programs or employee practices. Expenses incurred by the General Partner in connection with any such plans, programs and practices (including the net cost to the General Partner or such Affiliate of Partnership Securities purchased by the General Partner or such Affiliate from the Partnership to fulfill options or awards under such plans, programs and practices) shall be reimbursed in accordance with Section  7.4(b) . Any and all obligations of the General Partner under any employee benefit plans, employee programs or employee practices adopted by the General Partner as permitted by this Section  7.4(c) shall constitute obligations of the General Partner hereunder and shall be assumed by any successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section  11.1 or 11.2 or the transferee of or successor to all of the General Partner’s General Partner Interest pursuant to Section  4.6 .

SECTION 7.5 Outside Activities.

(a) After the Closing Date, the General Partner, for so long as it is the General Partner of the Partnership (i) agrees that its sole business will be to act as the general partner of the Partnership and any other partnership or limited liability company of which the Partnership is, directly or indirectly, a partner and to undertake activities that are ancillary or related thereto (including being a limited partner in the Partnership) and (ii) shall not engage in any business or activity or incur any debts or liabilities except in connection with or incidental to (A) its performance as general partner of one or more Group Members or as described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement or (B) the acquiring, owning or disposing of debt or equity securities in any Group Member.

(b) Except as specifically restricted by Section  7.5(a) , each Indemnitee (other than the General Partner) shall have the right to engage in businesses of every type and description and other activities for profit and to engage in and possess an interest in other business ventures of any and every type or description, whether in businesses engaged in or anticipated to be engaged in by any Group Member, independently or with others, including business interests and activities in direct competition with the business and activities of any

 

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Group Member, and none of the same shall constitute a breach of this Agreement or any duty express or implied by law to any Group Member or any Partner or Assignee. Neither any Group Member, any Limited Partner nor any other Person shall have any rights by virtue of this Agreement, the Operating Partnership Agreement or the partnership relationship established hereby or thereby in any business ventures of any Indemnitee.

(c) Subject to the terms of Section  7.5(a) and Section  7.5(b) , but otherwise notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) the engaging in competitive activities by any Indemnitees (other than the General Partner) in accordance with the provisions of this Section  7.5 is hereby approved by the Partnership and all Partners, (ii) it shall be deemed not to be a breach of the General Partner’s fiduciary duty or any other obligation of any type whatsoever of the General Partner for the Indemnitees (other than the General Partner) to engage in such business interests and activities in preference to or to the exclusion of the Partnership and (iii) the General Partner and the Indemnitees shall have no obligation to present business opportunities to the Partnership.

(d) The General Partner and any of its Affiliates may acquire Units or other Partnership Securities in addition to those acquired on the Closing Date and, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, shall be entitled to exercise all rights of the General Partner or Limited Partner, as applicable, relating to such Units or Partnership Securities.

(e) The term “ Affiliates ” when used in Section  7.5(d) with respect to the General Partner shall not include any Group Member or any Subsidiary of any Group Member.

(f) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, to the extent that provisions of Sections 7.7 , 7.8 , 7.9 , 7.10 or other Sections of this Agreement purport or are interpreted to have the effect of restricting the fiduciary duties that might otherwise, as a result of Delaware or other applicable law, be owed by the General Partner to the Partnership and its Limited Partners, or to constitute a waiver or consent by the Limited Partners to any such restriction, such provisions shall be inapplicable and have no effect in determining whether the General Partner has complied with its fiduciary duties in connection with determinations made by it under this Section  7.5 .

SECTION 7.6 Loans from the General Partner; Loans or Contributions from the Partnership; Contracts with Affiliates; Certain Restrictions on the General Partner.

(a) The General Partner or its Affiliates may lend to any Group Member, and any Group Member may borrow from the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, funds needed or desired by the Group Member for such periods of time and in such amounts as the General Partner may determine; provided , however , that in any such case the lending party may not charge the borrowing party interest at a rate greater than the rate that would be charged the borrowing party or impose terms less favorable to the borrowing party than would be charged or imposed on the borrowing party by unrelated lenders on comparable loans made on an arm’s-length basis (without reference to the lending party’s financial abilities or guarantees). The borrowing party shall reimburse the lending party for any costs (other than any additional interest costs) incurred by the lending party in connection with the borrowing of such funds. For purposes of this Section  7.6(a) and Section  7.6(b) , the term “ Group Member ” shall include any Affiliate of a Group Member that is controlled by the Group Member. No Group Member may lend funds to the General Partner or any of its Affiliates (other than another Group Member).

 

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(b) The Partnership may lend or contribute to any Group Member, and any Group Member may borrow from the Partnership, funds on terms and conditions established in the sole discretion of the General Partner; provided , however , that the Partnership may not charge the Group Member interest at a rate less than the rate that would be charged to the Group Member (without reference to the General Partner’s financial abilities or guarantees) by unrelated lenders on comparable loans. The foregoing authority shall be exercised by the General Partner in its sole discretion and shall not create any right or benefit in favor of any Group Member or any other Person.

(c) The General Partner may itself, or may enter into an agreement with any of its Affiliates to, render services to a Group Member or to the General Partner in the discharge of its duties as general partner of the Partnership. Any services rendered to a Group Member by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates shall be on terms that are fair and reasonable to the Partnership; provided , however , that the requirements of this Section  7.6(c) shall be deemed satisfied as to (i) any transaction approved by Special Approval, (ii) any transaction, the terms of which are no less favorable to the Partnership Group than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties or (iii) any transaction that, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the Partnership Group), is equitable to the Partnership Group. The provisions of Section  7.4 shall apply to the rendering of services described in this Section  7.6(c) .

(d) The Partnership Group may transfer assets to joint ventures, other partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or other business entities in which it is or thereby becomes a participant upon such terms and subject to such conditions as are consistent with this Agreement and applicable law.

(e) Neither the General Partner nor any of its Affiliates shall sell, transfer or convey any property to, or purchase any property from, the Partnership, directly or indirectly, except pursuant to transactions that are fair and reasonable to the Partnership; provided , however , that the requirements of this Section  7.6(e) shall be deemed to be satisfied as to (i) the transactions effected pursuant to Sections 5.1 and 5.2 , the Contribution Agreement and any other transactions described in or contemplated by the Registration Statement, (ii) any transaction approved by Special Approval, (iii) any transaction, the terms of which are no less favorable to the Partnership than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties, or (iv) any transaction that, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the Partnership), is equitable to the Partnership. With respect to any contribution of assets to the Partnership in exchange for Partnership Securities, the Conflicts Committee, in determining whether the appropriate number of Partnership Securities are being issued, may take into account, among other things, the fair market value of the assets, the liquidated and contingent liabilities assumed, the tax basis in the assets, the extent to which tax-only allocations to the transferor will protect the existing partners of the Partnership against a low tax basis, and such other factors as the Conflicts Committee deems relevant under the circumstances.

 

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(f) The General Partner and its Affiliates will have no obligation to permit any Group Member to use any facilities or assets of the General Partner and its Affiliates, except as may be provided in contracts entered into from time to time specifically dealing with such use, nor shall there be any obligation on the part of the General Partner or its Affiliates to enter into such contracts.

(g) Without limitation of Sections 7.6(a) through 7.6(f) , and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the existence of the conflicts of interest described in the Registration Statement are hereby approved by all Partners.

SECTION 7.7 Indemnification.

(a) To the fullest extent permitted by law but subject to the limitations expressly provided in this Agreement, all Indemnitees shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements or other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of its status as an Indemnitee; provided , that in each case the Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner that such Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in, or (in the case of a Person other than the General Partner) not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe its conduct was unlawful; provided , further , no indemnification pursuant to this Section  7.7 shall be available to the General Partner with respect to its obligations incurred pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement or the Contribution Agreement (other than obligations incurred by the General Partner on behalf of the Partnership or the Operating Partnership). The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that the Indemnitee acted in a manner contrary to that specified above. Any indemnification pursuant to this Section  7.7 shall be made only out of the assets of the Partnership, it being agreed that the General Partner shall not be personally liable for such indemnification and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification.

(b) To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee who is indemnified pursuant to Section  7.7(a) in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the Partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the Partnership of any undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified as authorized in this Section  7.7 .

(c) The indemnification provided by this Section  7.7 shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the holders of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests, as a matter of law or otherwise, both as to actions in the Indemnitee’s capacity as an Indemnitee and as to actions in any other capacity (including any capacity under the Underwriting Agreement), and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns and administrators of the Indemnitee.

 

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(d) The Partnership may purchase and maintain (or reimburse the General Partner or its Affiliates for the cost of) insurance, on behalf of the General Partner, its Affiliates and such other Persons as the General Partner shall determine, against any liability that may be asserted against or expense that may be incurred by such Person in connection with the Partnership’s activities or such Person’s activities on behalf of the Partnership, regardless of whether the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such liability under the provisions of this Agreement.

(e) For purposes of this Section  7.7 , the Partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the Partnership also imposes duties on, or otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan; excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to applicable law shall constitute “ fines ” within the meaning of Section  7.7(a) ; and action taken or omitted by it with respect to any employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the Partnership.

(f) In no event may an Indemnitee subject the Limited Partners to personal liability by reason of the indemnification provisions set forth in this Agreement.

(g) An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification in whole or in part under this Section  7.7 because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of this Agreement.

(h) The provisions of this Section  7.7 are for the benefit of the Indemnitees, their heirs, successors, assigns and administrators and shall not be deemed to create any rights for the benefit of any other Persons.

(i) No amendment, modification or repeal of this Section  7.7 or any provision hereof shall in any manner terminate, reduce or impair the right of any past, present or future Indemnitee to be indemnified by the Partnership, nor the obligations of the Partnership to indemnify any such Indemnitee under and in accordance with the provisions of this Section  7.7 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.

SECTION 7.8 Liability of Indemnitees.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary damages to the Partnership, the Limited Partners, the Assignees or any other Persons who have acquired interests in the Partnership Securities, for losses sustained or liabilities incurred as a result of any act or omission if such Indemnitee acted in good faith.

 

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(b) Subject to its obligations and duties as General Partner set forth in Section  7.1(a) , the General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the duties imposed upon it hereunder either directly or by or through its agents, and the General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by the General Partner in good faith.

(c) To the extent that, at law or in equity, an Indemnitee has duties (including fiduciary duties) and liabilities relating thereto to the Partnership or to the Partners, the General Partner and any other Indemnitee acting in connection with the Partnership’s business or affairs shall not be liable to the Partnership or to any Partner for its good faith reliance on the provisions of this Agreement. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or otherwise modify the duties and liabilities of an Indemnitee otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the Partners to replace such other duties and liabilities of such Indemnitee.

(d) Any amendment, modification or repeal of this Section  7.8 or any provision hereof shall be prospective only and shall not in any way affect the limitations on the liability to the Partnership, the Limited Partners, the General Partner, and the Partnership’s and General Partner’s and the Operating General Partner’s directors, officers and employees under this Section  7.8 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, modification or repeal with respect to claims arising from or relating to matters occurring, in whole or in part, prior to such amendment, modification or repeal, regardless of when such claims may arise or be asserted.

SECTION 7.9 Resolution of Conflicts of Interest.

(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or the Operating Partnership Agreement, whenever a potential conflict of interest exists or arises between the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Partnership, the Operating Partnership, any Partner or any Assignee, on the other, any resolution or course of action by the General Partner or its Affiliates in respect of such conflict of interest shall be permitted and deemed approved by all Partners, and shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement, of the Operating Partnership Agreement, of any agreement contemplated herein or therein, or of any duty stated or implied by law or equity, if the resolution or course of action is, or by operation of this Agreement is deemed to be, fair and reasonable to the Partnership. The General Partner shall be authorized but not required in connection with its resolution of such conflict of interest to seek Special Approval of such resolution. Any conflict of interest and any resolution of such conflict of interest shall be conclusively deemed fair and reasonable to the Partnership if such conflict of interest or resolution is (i) approved by Special Approval, (ii) on terms no less favorable to the Partnership than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties or (iii) fair to the Partnership, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to the Partnership). The General Partner may also adopt a resolution or course of action that has not received Special Approval. The General Partner (including the Conflicts Committee in connection with Special Approval) shall be authorized in connection with its determination of what is “ fair and reasonable ” to the Partnership and in connection with its resolution of any conflict of interest to consider (A) the relative interests of any party to such conflict, agreement, transaction or situation and the benefits and burdens relating to such interest; (B) any customary or accepted industry practices and any customary or historical dealings with a

 

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particular Person; (C) any applicable generally accepted accounting practices or principles; and (D) such additional factors as the General Partner (including the Conflicts Committee) determines in its sole discretion to be relevant, reasonable or appropriate under the circumstances. Nothing contained in this Agreement, however, is intended to nor shall it be construed to require the General Partner (including the Conflicts Committee) to consider the interests of any Person other than the Partnership. In the absence of bad faith by the General Partner, the resolution, action or terms so made, taken or provided by the General Partner with respect to such matter shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein or a breach of any standard of care or duty imposed herein or therein or, to the extent permitted by law, under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation.

(b) Whenever this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated hereby provides that the General Partner or any of its Affiliates is permitted or required to make a decision (i) in its “ sole discretion ” or “ discretion ,” that it deems “ necessary or appropriate ” or “ necessary or advisable ” or under a grant of similar authority or latitude, except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner or such Affiliate shall be entitled to consider only such interests and factors as it desires and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, the Partnership, the Operating Partnership, any Limited Partner or any Assignee, (ii) it may make such decision in its sole discretion (regardless of whether there is a reference to “ sole discretion ” or “ discretion ”) unless another express standard is provided for, or (iii) in “ good faith ” or under another express standard, the General Partner or such Affiliate shall act under such express standard and shall not be subject to any other or different standards imposed by this Agreement, the Operating Partnership Agreement, any other agreement contemplated hereby or under the Delaware Act or any other law, rule or regulation. In addition, any actions taken by the General Partner or such Affiliate consistent with the standards of “ reasonable discretion ” set forth in the definitions of Available Cash or Operating Surplus shall not constitute a breach of any duty of the General Partner to the Partnership or the Limited Partners. The General Partner shall have no duty, express or implied, to sell or otherwise dispose of any asset of the Partnership Group other than in the ordinary course of business. No borrowing by any Group Member or the approval thereof by the General Partner shall be deemed to constitute a breach of any duty of the General Partner to the Partnership or the Limited Partners by reason of the fact that the purpose or effect of such borrowing is directly or indirectly to enable distributions to the General Partner or its Affiliates (including in their capacities as Limited Partners) to exceed 2% of the total amount distributed to all Partners.

(c) Whenever a particular transaction, arrangement or resolution of a conflict of interest is required under this Agreement to be “ fair and reasonable ” to any Person, the fair and reasonable nature of such transaction, arrangement or resolution shall be considered in the context of all similar or related transactions.

(d) The Limited Partners hereby authorize the General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership as a partner of a Group Member, to approve of actions by the general partner of such Group Member similar to those actions permitted to be taken by the General Partner pursuant to this Section  7.9 .

 

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SECTION 7.10 Other Matters Concerning the General Partner.

(a) The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, consent, order, bond, debenture or other paper or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.

(b) The General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisers selected by it, and any act taken or omitted to be taken in reliance upon the opinion (including an Opinion of Counsel) of such Persons as to matters that the General Partner reasonably believes to be within such Person’s professional or expert competence shall be conclusively presumed to have been done or omitted in good faith and in accordance with such opinion.

(c) The General Partner shall have the right, in respect of any of its powers or obligations hereunder, to act through any of its duly authorized officers, a duly appointed attorney or attorneys-in-fact or the duly authorized officers of the Partnership.

(d) Any standard of care and duty imposed by this Agreement or under the Delaware Act or any applicable law, rule or regulation shall be modified, waived or limited, to the extent permitted by law, as required to permit the General Partner to act under this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated by this Agreement and to make any decision pursuant to the authority prescribed in this Agreement, so long as such action is reasonably believed by the General Partner to be in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Partnership.

SECTION 7.11 Purchase or Sale of Partnership Securities.

Subject to Section  16.5 , Section  17.5 , Section  18.5 , Section  19.7(b) and Section  19.8 , the General Partner may cause the Partnership to purchase or otherwise acquire Partnership Securities. As long as Partnership Securities are held by any Group Member, such Partnership Securities shall not be considered Outstanding for any purpose, except as otherwise provided herein. The General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner may also purchase or otherwise acquire and sell or otherwise dispose of Partnership Securities for its own account, subject to the provisions of Articles IV , X , XVI , XVII , XVIII and Article  XIX .

SECTION 7.12 Registration Rights of the General Partner and its Affiliates.

(a) If (i) the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner (including for purposes of this Section  7.12 , any Person that is an Affiliate of the General Partner at the date hereof notwithstanding that it may later cease to be an Affiliate of the General Partner) holds Partnership Securities that it desires to sell and (ii) Rule 144 of the Securities Act (or any successor rule or regulation to Rule 144) or another exemption from registration is not available to enable such holder of Partnership Securities (the “ Holder ”) to dispose of the number of Partnership Securities it desires to sell at the time it desires to do so without registration under the Securities Act, then upon the request of the General Partner or any of its Affiliates, the Partnership shall file with the Commission as promptly as practicable after receiving such request, and use all reasonable efforts to cause to become effective and remain effective for a

 

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period of not less than six months following its effective date or such shorter period as shall terminate when all Partnership Securities covered by such registration statement have been sold, a registration statement under the Securities Act registering the offering and sale of the number of Partnership Securities specified by the Holder; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be required to effect more than three registrations pursuant to this Section  7.12(a) ; and provided further , however , that if the Conflicts Committee determines in its good faith judgment that a postponement of the requested registration for up to six months would be in the best interests of the Partnership and its Partners due to a pending transaction, investigation or other event, the filing of such registration statement or the effectiveness thereof may be deferred for up to six months, but not thereafter. In connection with any registration pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the Partnership shall promptly prepare and file (x) such documents as may be necessary to register or qualify the securities subject to such registration under the securities laws of such states as the Holder shall reasonably request; provided , however , that no such qualification shall be required in any jurisdiction where, as a result thereof, the Partnership would become subject to general service of process or to taxation or qualification to do business as a foreign corporation or partnership doing business in such jurisdiction solely as a result of such registration, and (y) such documents as may be necessary to apply for listing or to list the Partnership Securities subject to such registration on such National Securities Exchange as the Holder shall reasonably request, and do any and all other acts and things that may reasonably be necessary or advisable to enable the Holder to consummate a public sale of such Partnership Securities in such states. Except as set forth in Section  7.12(c) , all costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership, without reimbursement by the Holder.

(b) If the Partnership shall at any time propose to file a registration statement under the Securities Act for an offering of equity securities of the Partnership for cash (other than an offering relating solely to an employee benefit plan), the Partnership shall use all reasonable efforts to include such number or amount of securities held by the Holder in such registration statement as the Holder shall request. If the proposed offering pursuant to this Section  7.12(b) shall be an underwritten offering, then, in the event that the managing underwriter or managing underwriters of such offering advise the Partnership and the Holder in writing that in their opinion the inclusion of all or some of the Holder’s Partnership Securities would adversely and materially affect the success of the offering, the Partnership shall include in such offering only that number or amount, if any, of securities held by the Holder which, in the opinion of the managing underwriter or managing underwriters, will not so adversely and materially affect the offering. Except as set forth in Section  7.12(c) , all costs and expenses of any such registration and offering (other than the underwriting discounts and commissions) shall be paid by the Partnership, without reimbursement by the Holder.

(c) If underwriters are engaged in connection with any registration referred to in this Section  7.12 , the Partnership shall provide indemnification, representations, covenants, opinions and other assurance to the underwriters in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such underwriters. Further, in addition to and not in limitation of the Partnership’s obligation under Section  7.7 , the Partnership shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, indemnify and hold harmless the Holder, its officers, directors and each Person who controls the Holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act) and any agent thereof (collectively, “ Indemnified Persons ”) against any losses, claims, demands, actions, causes of action, assessments, damages, liabilities

 

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(joint or several), costs and expenses (including interest, penalties and reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements), resulting to, imposed upon, or incurred by the Indemnified Persons, directly or indirectly, under the Securities Act or otherwise (hereinafter referred to in this Section  7.12(c) as a “ Claim ” and in the plural as “ Claims ”) based upon, arising out of or resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact contained in any registration statement under which any Partnership Securities were registered under the Securities Act or any state securities or Blue Sky laws, in any preliminary prospectus (if used prior to the effective date of such registration statement), or in any summary or final prospectus or in any amendment or supplement thereto (if used during the period the Partnership is required to keep the registration statement current), or arising out of, based upon or resulting from the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein not misleading; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be liable to any Indemnified Person to the extent that any such Claim arises out of, is based upon or results from an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made in such registration statement, such preliminary, summary or final prospectus or such amendment or supplement, in reliance upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Partnership by or on behalf of such Indemnified Person specifically for use in the preparation thereof.

(d) The provisions of Section  7.12(a) and 7.12(b) shall continue to be applicable with respect to the General Partner (and any of the General Partner’s Affiliates) after it ceases to be a Partner of the Partnership, during a period of two years subsequent to the effective date of such cessation and for so long thereafter as is required for the Holder to sell all of the Partnership Securities with respect to which it has requested during such two-year period inclusion in a registration statement otherwise filed or that a registration statement be filed; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be required to file successive registration statements covering the same Partnership Securities for which registration was demanded during such two-year period. The provisions of Section  7.12(c) shall continue in effect thereafter.

(e) Any request to register Partnership Securities pursuant to this Section  7.12 shall (i) specify the Partnership Securities intended to be offered and sold by the Person making the request, (ii) express such Person’s present intent to offer such shares for distribution, (iii) describe the nature or method of the proposed offer and sale of Partnership Securities, and (iv) contain the undertaking of such Person to provide all such information and materials and take all action as may be required in order to permit the Partnership to comply with all applicable requirements in connection with the registration of such Partnership Securities.

SECTION 7.13 Reliance by Third Parties.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any Person dealing with the Partnership shall be entitled to assume that the General Partner and any officer of NuStar GP authorized by NuStar GP to act on behalf of and in the name of the Partnership has full power and authority to encumber, sell or otherwise use in any manner any and all assets of the Partnership and to enter into any authorized contracts on behalf of the Partnership, and such Person shall be entitled to deal with the General Partner or any such officer as if it were the Partnership’s sole party in interest, both legally and beneficially. Each Limited Partner hereby waives any and all defenses or other remedies that may be available against such Person to

 

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contest, negate or disaffirm any action of the General Partner or any such officer in connection with any such dealing. In no event shall any Person dealing with the General Partner or any such officer or its representatives be obligated to ascertain that the terms of the Agreement have been complied with or to inquire into the necessity or expedience of any act or action of the General Partner or any such officer or its representatives. Each and every certificate, document or other instrument executed on behalf of the Partnership by the General Partner or its representatives shall be conclusive evidence in favor of any and every Person relying thereon or claiming thereunder that (a) at the time of the execution and delivery of such certificate, document or instrument, this Agreement was in full force and effect, (b) the Person executing and delivering such certificate, document or instrument was duly authorized and empowered to do so for and on behalf of the Partnership and (c) such certificate, document or instrument was duly executed and delivered in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement and is binding upon the Partnership.

ARTICLE VIII

BOOKS, RECORDS, ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS

SECTION 8.1 Records and Accounting.

The General Partner shall keep or cause to be kept at the principal office of the Partnership appropriate books and records with respect to the Partnership’s business, including all books and records necessary to provide to the Limited Partners any information required to be provided pursuant to Section  3.4(a) . Any books and records maintained by or on behalf of the Partnership in the regular course of its business, including the record of the Record Holders and Assignees of Units or other Partnership Securities, books of account and records of Partnership proceedings, may be kept on, or be in the form of, computer disks, hard drives, punch cards, magnetic tape, photographs, micrographics or any other information storage device; provided , that the books and records so maintained are convertible into clearly legible written form within a reasonable period of time. The books of the Partnership shall be maintained, for financial reporting purposes, on an accrual basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

SECTION 8.2 Fiscal Year.

The fiscal year of the Partnership shall be a fiscal year ending December 31.

SECTION 8.3 Reports.

(a) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 120 days after the close of each fiscal year of the Partnership, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed or furnished to each Record Holder of a Partnership Interest as of a date selected by the General Partner in its discretion, an annual report containing financial statements of the Partnership for such fiscal year of the Partnership, presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP, including a balance sheet and statements of operations, Partnership equity and cash flows, such statements to be audited by a firm of independent public accountants selected by the General Partner.

(b) As soon as practicable, but in no event later than 90 days after the close of each Quarter except the last Quarter of each fiscal year, the General Partner shall cause to be mailed or furnished to each Record Holder of a Partnership Interest, as of a date selected by the

 

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General Partner in its discretion, a report containing unaudited financial statements of the Partnership and such other information as may be required by applicable law, regulation or rule of any National Securities Exchange on which the Partnership Interests are listed for trading, or as the General Partner determines to be necessary or appropriate.

ARTICLE IX

TAX MATTERS

SECTION 9.1 Tax Returns and Information.

The Partnership shall timely file all returns of the Partnership that are required for federal, state and local income tax purposes on the basis of the accrual method and a taxable year ending on December 31. The tax information reasonably required by Record Holders for federal and state income tax reporting purposes with respect to a taxable year shall be furnished to them within 90 days of the close of the calendar year in which the Partnership’s taxable year ends. The classification, realization and recognition of income, gain, losses and deductions and other items shall be on the accrual method of accounting for federal income tax purposes.

SECTION 9.2 Tax Elections.

(a) The Partnership shall make the election under Section 754 of the Code in accordance with applicable regulations thereunder, subject to the reservation of the right to seek to revoke any such election upon the General Partner’s determination that such revocation is in the best interests of the Limited Partners. Notwithstanding any other provision herein contained, for the purposes of computing the adjustments under Section 743(b) of the Code, the General Partner shall be authorized (but not required) to adopt a convention whereby the price paid by a transferee of a Limited Partner Interest will be deemed to be the lowest quoted closing price of the Limited Partner Interests on any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are traded during the calendar month in which such transfer is deemed to occur pursuant to Section  6.2(g) without regard to the actual price paid by such transferee.

(b) The Partnership shall elect to deduct expenses incurred in organizing the Partnership ratably over a sixty-month period as provided in Section 709 of the Code.

(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, the General Partner shall determine whether the Partnership should make any other elections permitted by the Code.

SECTION 9.3 Tax Controversies.

Subject to the provisions hereof, the General Partner is designated as the Tax Matters Partner (as defined in the Code) and is authorized and required to represent the Partnership (at the Partnership’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Partnership’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Partnership funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. Each Partner agrees to cooperate with the General Partner and to do or refrain from doing any or all things reasonably required by the General Partner to conduct such proceedings.

 

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With respect to tax returns filed for taxable years beginning on or after December 31, 2017, the General Partner (or its designee) will be designated as the “partnership representative” in accordance with the rules prescribed pursuant to Section 6223 of the Code and shall have the sole authority to act on behalf of the Partnership in connection with all examinations of the Partnership’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting administrative and judicial proceedings, and to expend Partnership funds for professional services and costs associated therewith. The General Partner (or its designee) shall exercise, in its sole discretion, any and all authority of the “partnership representative” under the Code, including, without limitation, (i) binding the Partnership and its Partners with respect to tax matters and (ii) determining whether to make any available election under Section 6226 of the Code.

SECTION 9.4 Withholding.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the General Partner is authorized to take any action that it determines in its discretion to be necessary or appropriate to cause the Partnership to comply with any withholding requirements established under the Code or any other federal, state or local law including, without limitation, pursuant to Sections 1441, 1442, 1445 and 1446 of the Code. To the extent that the Partnership is required or elects to withhold and pay over to any taxing authority any amount resulting from the allocation or distribution of income to any Partner or Assignee (including, without limitation, by reason of Section 1446 of the Code), the amount withheld may at the discretion of the General Partner be treated by the Partnership as a distribution of cash pursuant to Section  6.3 , Section  16.3 , Section  17.3 , Section  18.3 or Section  19.3 in the amount of such withholding from such Partner.

ARTICLE X

ADMISSION OF PARTNERS

SECTION 10.1 Admission of Limited Partners.

Each Limited Partner admitted to the Partnership immediately prior to the adoption of this Agreement hereby continues as a Limited Partner upon the adoption of this Agreement.

SECTION 10.2 Admission of Substituted Limited Partner.

By transfer of a Limited Partner Interest in accordance with Article  IV , the transferor shall be deemed to have given the transferee the right to seek admission as a Substituted Limited Partner subject to the conditions of, and in the manner permitted under, this Agreement. A transferor of a Certificate representing a Limited Partner Interest shall, however, only have the authority to convey to a purchaser or other transferee who does not execute and deliver a Transfer Application (a) the right to negotiate such Certificate to a purchaser or other transferee and (b) the right to transfer the right to request admission as a Substituted Limited Partner to such purchaser or other transferee in respect of the transferred Limited Partner Interests. Each transferee of a Limited Partner Interest (including any nominee holder or an agent acquiring such Limited Partner Interest for the account of another Person) who executes and delivers a Transfer Application shall, by virtue of such execution and delivery, be an Assignee and be deemed to have applied to become a Substituted Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interests so transferred to such Person. Such Assignee shall become a Substituted Limited

 

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Partner (x) at such time as the General Partner consents thereto, which consent may be given or withheld in the General Partner’s discretion, and (y) when any such admission is shown on the books and records of the Partnership. If such consent is withheld, such transferee shall be an Assignee. An Assignee shall have an interest in the Partnership equivalent to that of a Limited Partner with respect to allocations and distributions, including liquidating distributions, of the Partnership. With respect to voting rights attributable to Limited Partner Interests that are held by Assignees, the General Partner shall be deemed to be the Limited Partner with respect thereto and shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect of such Limited Partner Interests on any matter, vote such Limited Partner Interests at the written direction of the Assignee who is the Record Holder of such Limited Partner Interests. If no such written direction is received, such Limited Partner Interests will not be voted. An Assignee shall have no other rights of a Limited Partner.

SECTION 10.3 Admission of Successor General Partner.

A successor General Partner approved pursuant to Section  11.1 or 11.2 or the transferee of or successor to all of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section  4.6 who is proposed to be admitted as a successor General Partner shall be admitted to the Partnership as the General Partner, effective immediately prior to the withdrawal or removal of the predecessor or transferring General Partner pursuant to Section  11.1 or 11.2 or the transfer of the General Partner Interest pursuant to Section  4.6 , provided , however , that no such successor shall be admitted to the Partnership until compliance with the terms of Section  4.6 has occurred and such successor has executed and delivered such other documents or instruments as may be required to effect such admission. Any such successor shall, subject to the terms hereof, carry on the business of the members of the Partnership Group without dissolution.

SECTION 10.4 Admission of Additional Limited Partners.

(a) A Person (other than the General Partner or a Substituted Limited Partner) who makes a Capital Contribution to the Partnership in accordance with this Agreement shall be admitted to the Partnership as an Additional Limited Partner only upon furnishing to the General Partner (i) evidence of acceptance in form satisfactory to the General Partner of all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including the power of attorney granted in Section  2.6 , and (ii) such other documents or instruments as may be required in the discretion of the General Partner to effect such Person’s admission as an Additional Limited Partner.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section  10.4 , no Person shall be admitted as an Additional Limited Partner without the consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld in the General Partner’s discretion. The admission of any Person as an Additional Limited Partner shall become effective on the date upon which the name of such Person is recorded as such in the books and records of the Partnership, following the consent of the General Partner to such admission.

 

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SECTION 10.5 Amendment of Agreement and Certificate of Limited Partnership.

To effect the admission to the Partnership of any Partner, the General Partner shall take all steps necessary and appropriate under the Delaware Act to amend the records of the Partnership to reflect such admission and, if necessary, to prepare as soon as practicable an amendment to this Agreement and, if required by law, the General Partner shall prepare and file an amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership, and the General Partner may for this purpose, among others, exercise the power of attorney granted pursuant to Section  2.6 .

ARTICLE XI

WITHDRAWAL OR REMOVAL OF PARTNERS

SECTION 11.1 Withdrawal of the General Partner.

(a) The General Partner shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Partnership upon the occurrence of any one of the following events (each such event herein referred to as an “ Event of Withdrawal ”):

(i) The General Partner voluntarily withdraws from the Partnership by giving notice to the other Partners;

(ii) The General Partner transfers all of its rights as General Partner pursuant to Section  4.6 ;

(iii) The General Partner is removed pursuant to Section  11.2 ;

(iv) The General Partner (A) makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors; (B) files a voluntary bankruptcy petition for relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code; (C) files a petition or answer seeking for itself a liquidation, dissolution or similar relief (but not a reorganization) under any law; (D) files an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against the General Partner in a proceeding of the type described in clauses (A)-(C) of this Section  11.1(a)(iv) ; or (E) seeks, consents to or acquiesces in the appointment of a trustee (but not a debtor-in-possession), receiver or liquidator of the General Partner or of all or any substantial part of its properties;

(v) A final and non-appealable order of relief under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code is entered by a court with appropriate jurisdiction pursuant to a voluntary or involuntary petition by or against the General Partner; or

(vi) (A) in the event the General Partner is a corporation, a certificate of dissolution or its equivalent is filed for the General Partner, or 90 days expire after the date of notice to the General Partner of revocation of its charter without a reinstatement of its charter, under the laws of its state of incorporation; (B) in the event the General Partner is a partnership or a limited liability company, the dissolution and commencement of winding up of the General Partner; (C) in the event the General Partner is acting in such capacity by virtue of being a trustee of a trust, the termination of the trust; (D) in the event the General Partner is a natural person, his death or adjudication of incompetency; and (E) otherwise in the event of the termination of the General Partner.

 

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If an Event of Withdrawal specified in Section  11.1(a)(iv) , 11.1(a)(v) or 11.1(a)(vi)(A) , (B) , (C) or (E)  occurs, the withdrawing General Partner shall give notice to the Limited Partners within 30 days after such occurrence. The Partners hereby agree that only the Events of Withdrawal described in this Section  11.1 shall result in the withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership.

(b) Withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall not constitute a breach of this Agreement under the following circumstances: (i) at any time that the General Partner voluntarily withdraws by giving at least 90 days’ advance notice to the Unitholders, such withdrawal to take effect on the date specified in such notice; or (ii) at any time that the General Partner ceases to be the General Partner pursuant to Section  11.1(a)(ii) or is removed pursuant to Section  11.2 . The withdrawal of the General Partner from the Partnership upon the occurrence of an Event of Withdrawal shall also constitute the withdrawal of the General Partner as general partner of the other Group Members. If the General Partner gives a notice of withdrawal pursuant to Section  11.1(a)(i) , the holders of a Unit Majority may, prior to the effective date of such withdrawal, elect a successor General Partner. The Person so elected as successor General Partner shall automatically become the successor general partner of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner. If, prior to the effective date of the General Partner’s withdrawal, a successor is not selected by the Unitholders as provided herein or the Partnership does not receive a Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel, the Partnership shall be dissolved in accordance with Section  12.1 . Any successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms of this Section  11.1 shall be subject to the provisions of Section  10.3 .

SECTION 11.2 Removal of the General Partner.

The General Partner may be removed if such removal is approved by the Unitholders holding at least a Unit Majority (excluding Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates). Any such action by such holders for removal of the General Partner must also provide for the election of a successor General Partner by the Unitholders holding a Unit Majority (excluding Units held by the General Partner and its Affiliates). Such removal shall be effective immediately following the admission of a successor General Partner pursuant to Section  10.3 . The removal of the General Partner shall also automatically constitute the removal of the General Partner as general partner of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner, if any. If a Person is elected as a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Section  11.2 , such Person shall, upon admission pursuant to Section  10.3 , automatically become a successor general partner of the other Group Members of which the General Partner is a general partner. The right of the holders of Outstanding Units to remove the General Partner shall not exist or be exercised unless the Partnership has received an opinion opining as to the matters covered by a Withdrawal Opinion of Counsel. Any successor General Partner elected in accordance with the terms of this Section  11.2 shall be subject to the provisions of Section  10.3 .

SECTION 11.3 Interest of Departing Partner and Successor General Partner.

(a) In the event of (i) withdrawal of the General Partner under circumstances where such withdrawal does not violate this Agreement or (ii) removal of the General Partner by the holders of Outstanding Units under circumstances where Cause does not exist, if a successor

 

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General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section  11.1 or 11.2 , the Departing Partner shall have the option exercisable prior to the effective date of the departure of such Departing Partner to require its successor to purchase its General Partner Interest and its general partner interest (or equivalent interest) in the other Group Members, if any, and all of its Incentive Distribution Rights (collectively, the “ Combined Interest ”) in exchange for an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of such Combined Interest, such amount to be determined and payable as of the effective date of its departure. If the General Partner is removed by the Unitholders under circumstances where Cause exists or if the General Partner withdraws under circumstances where such withdrawal violates this Agreement, and if a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section  11.1 or 11.2 , such successor shall have the option, exercisable prior to the effective date of the departure of such Departing Partner, to purchase the Combined Interest for such fair market value of such Combined Interest of the Departing Partner. In either event, the Departing Partner shall be entitled to receive all reimbursements due such Departing Partner pursuant to Section  7.4 , including any employee-related liabilities (including severance liabilities), incurred in connection with the termination of any employees employed by the Departing Partner for the benefit of the Partnership or the other Group Members.

For purposes of this Section  11.3(a) , the fair market value of a Departing Partner’s Combined Interest shall be determined by agreement between the Departing Partner and its successor or, failing agreement within 30 days after the effective date of such Departing Partner’s departure, by an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert selected by the Departing Partner and its successor, which, in turn, may rely on other experts, and the determination of which shall be conclusive as to such matter. If such parties cannot agree upon one independent investment banking firm or other independent expert within 45 days after the effective date of such departure, then the Departing Partner shall designate an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, the Departing Partner’s successor shall designate an independent investment banking firm or other independent expert, and such firms or experts shall mutually select a third independent investment banking firm or independent expert, which third independent investment banking firm or other independent expert shall determine the fair market value of the Combined Interest of the Departing Partner. In making its determination, such third independent investment banking firm or other independent expert may consider the then current trading price of Units on any National Securities Exchange on which Units are then listed, the value of the Partnership’s assets, the rights and obligations of the Departing Partner and other factors it may deem relevant.

(b) If the Combined Interest is not purchased in the manner set forth in Section  11.3(a) , the Departing Partner (or its transferee) shall become a Limited Partner and its Combined Interest shall be converted into Common Units pursuant to a valuation made by an investment banking firm or other independent expert selected pursuant to Section  11.3(a) , without reduction in such Partnership Interest (but subject to proportionate dilution by reason of the admission of its successor). Any successor General Partner shall indemnify the Departing Partner (or its transferee) as to all debts and liabilities of the Partnership arising on or after the date on which the Departing Partner (or its transferee) becomes a Limited Partner. For purposes of this Agreement, conversion of the Combined Interest of the Departing Partner to Common Units will be characterized as if the Departing Partner (or its transferee) contributed its Combined Interest to the Partnership in exchange for the newly issued Common Units.

 

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(c) If a successor General Partner is elected in accordance with the terms of Section  11.1 or 11.2 and the option described in Section  11.3(a) is not exercised by the party entitled to do so, the successor General Partner shall, at the effective date of its admission to the Partnership, contribute to the Partnership cash in the amount equal to 2/98th of the Net Agreed Value of the Partnership’s assets on such date. In such event, such successor General Partner shall, subject to the following sentence, be entitled to the Percentage Interest of all Partnership allocations and distributions to which the Departing Partner was entitled. The successor General Partner shall cause this Agreement to be amended to reflect that, from and after the date of such successor General Partner’s admission, the successor General Partner’s interest in all distributions and allocations shall be 2% with respect to such Partnership Securities with respect to which any General Partner would be required to make capital contributions pursuant to Section  5.1(b) in order to maintain such 2% interest.

SECTION 11.4 Withdrawal of Limited Partners.

No Limited Partner shall have any right to withdraw from the Partnership; provided , however , that when a transferee of a Limited Partner’s Limited Partner Interest becomes a Record Holder of the Limited Partner Interest so transferred, such transferring Limited Partner shall cease to be a Limited Partner with respect to the Limited Partner Interest so transferred.

ARTICLE XII

DISSOLUTION AND LIQUIDATION

SECTION 12.1 Dissolution.

The Partnership shall not be dissolved by the admission of Substituted Limited Partners or Additional Limited Partners or by the admission of a successor General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Upon the removal or withdrawal of the General Partner, if a successor General Partner is elected pursuant to Section  11.1 or 11.2 , the Partnership shall not be dissolved and such successor General Partner shall continue the business of the Partnership. The Partnership shall dissolve, and (subject to Section  12.2 ) its affairs shall be wound up, upon:

(a) the expiration of its term as provided in Section  2.7 ;

(b) an Event of Withdrawal of the General Partner as provided in Section  11.1(a) (other than Section  11.1(a)(ii) ), unless a successor is elected and an Opinion of Counsel is received as provided in Section  11.1(b) or 11.2 and such successor is admitted to the Partnership pursuant to Section  10.3 ;

(c) an election to dissolve the Partnership by the General Partner that is approved by the holders of a Unit Majority;

(d) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to the provisions of the Delaware Act; or

(e) the sale of all or substantially all of the assets and properties of the Partnership Group.

 

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SECTION 12.2 Continuation of the Business of the Partnership After Dissolution.

Upon (a) dissolution of the Partnership following an Event of Withdrawal caused by the withdrawal or removal of the General Partner as provided in Section  11.1(a)(i) or (iii)  and the failure of the Partners to select a successor to such Departing Partner pursuant to Section  11.1 or 11.2 , then within 90 days thereafter, or (b) dissolution of the Partnership upon an event constituting an Event of Withdrawal as defined in Section  11.1(a)(iv) , (v) or (vi) , then, to the maximum extent permitted by law, within 180 days thereafter, the holders of a Unit Majority may elect to reconstitute the Partnership and continue its business on the same terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement by forming a new limited partnership on terms identical to those set forth in this Agreement and having as the successor general partner a Person approved by the holders of a Unit Majority. Unless such an election is made within the applicable time period as set forth above, the Partnership shall conduct only activities necessary to wind up its affairs. If such an election is so made, then:

(a) the reconstituted Partnership shall continue until dissolved in accordance with this Article  XII ;

(b) if the successor General Partner is not the former General Partner, then the interest of the former General Partner shall be treated in the manner provided in Section  11.3 ; and

(c) all necessary steps shall be taken to cancel this Agreement and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and to enter into and, as necessary, to file a new partnership agreement and certificate of limited partnership, and the successor general partner may for this purpose exercise the powers of attorney granted the General Partner pursuant to Section  2.6 ; provided , that the right of the holders of a Unit Majority to approve a successor General Partner and to reconstitute and to continue the business of the Partnership shall not exist and may not be exercised unless the Partnership has received an Opinion of Counsel that (x) the exercise of the right would not result in the loss of limited liability of any Limited Partner and (y) neither the Partnership, the reconstituted limited partnership nor the Operating Partnership would be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise be taxable as an entity for federal income tax purposes upon the exercise of such right to continue.

SECTION 12.3 Liquidator.

Upon dissolution of the Partnership, unless the Partnership is continued under an election to reconstitute and continue the Partnership pursuant to Section  12.2 , the General Partner shall select one or more Persons to act as Liquidator. The Liquidator (if other than the General Partner) shall be entitled to receive such compensation for its services as may be approved by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units. The Liquidator (if other than the General Partner) shall agree not to resign at any time without 15 days’ prior notice and may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by notice of removal approved by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units. Upon dissolution, removal or resignation of the Liquidator, a successor and substitute Liquidator (who shall have and succeed to all rights, powers and duties of the original Liquidator) shall within 30 days thereafter be approved by holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Common Units. The right to approve a

 

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successor or substitute Liquidator in the manner provided herein shall be deemed to refer also to any such successor or substitute Liquidator approved in the manner herein provided. Except as expressly provided in this Article  XII , the Liquidator approved in the manner provided herein shall have and may exercise, without further authorization or consent of any of the parties hereto, all of the powers conferred upon the General Partner under the terms of this Agreement (but subject to all of the applicable limitations, contractual and otherwise, upon the exercise of such powers, other than the limitation on sale set forth in Section  7.3(b) ) to the extent necessary or desirable in the good faith judgment of the Liquidator to carry out the duties and functions of the Liquidator hereunder for and during such period of time as shall be reasonably required in the good faith judgment of the Liquidator to complete the winding up and liquidation of the Partnership as provided for herein.

SECTION 12.4 Liquidation.

The Liquidator shall proceed to dispose of the assets of the Partnership, discharge its liabilities, and otherwise wind up its affairs in such manner and over such period as the Liquidator determines to be in the best interest of the Partners, subject to Section 17-804 of the Delaware Act and the following:

(a) Disposition of Assets . The assets may be disposed of by public or private sale or by distribution in kind to one or more Partners on such terms as the Liquidator and such Partner or Partners may agree. If any property is distributed in kind, the Partner receiving the property shall be deemed for purposes of Section  12.4(c) to have received cash equal to its fair market value; and contemporaneously therewith, appropriate cash distributions must be made to the other Partners. The Liquidator may, in its absolute discretion, defer liquidation or distribution of the Partnership’s assets for a reasonable time if it determines that an immediate sale or distribution of all or some of the Partnership’s assets would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners. The Liquidator may, in its absolute discretion, distribute the Partnership’s assets, in whole or in part, in kind if it determines that a sale would be impractical or would cause undue loss to the Partners.

(b) Discharge of Liabilities . Liabilities of the Partnership include amounts owed to the Liquidator as compensation for serving in such capacity (subject to the terms of Section  12.3 ) and amounts owed to Partners other than in respect of their distribution rights under Article  VI . With respect to any liability that is contingent, conditional or unmatured or is otherwise not yet due and payable, the Liquidator shall either settle such claim for such amount as it thinks appropriate or establish a reserve of cash or other assets to provide for its payment. When paid, any unused portion of the reserve shall be distributed as additional liquidation proceeds.

(c) Liquidation Distributions . All property and all cash in excess of that required to discharge liabilities as provided in Section  12.4(b) shall be distributed to the Partners in accordance with, and to the extent of, the positive balances in their respective Capital Accounts, as determined after taking into account all Capital Account adjustments (other than those made by reason of distributions pursuant to this Section  12.4(c) ) for the taxable year of the Partnership during which the liquidation of the Partnership occurs (with such date of occurrence being determined pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(g)), and such

 

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distribution shall be made by the end of such taxable year (or, if later, within 90 days after said date of such occurrence); provided that the Stated Liquidation Preference (to the extent of the positive balances in the associated Capital Accounts) and any accumulated and unpaid Series A Distributions, Series B Distributions, Series C Distributions and Series D Distributions shall be paid prior to making any distributions pursuant to this Section  12.4(c) ; provided further that if less than all accumulated and unpaid Series A Distributions, Series B Distributions, Series C Distributions and Series D Distributions are paid, such distributions shall be made Pro Rata with respect to such Preferred Units in proportion to the aggregate distribution amounts remaining due in respect of such Preferred Units.

SECTION 12.5 Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership.

Upon the completion of the distribution of Partnership cash and property as provided in Section  12.4 in connection with the liquidation of the Partnership, the Partnership shall be terminated and the Certificate of Limited Partnership and all qualifications of the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in jurisdictions other than the State of Delaware shall be canceled and such other actions as may be necessary to terminate the Partnership shall be taken.

SECTION 12.6 Return of Contributions.

The General Partner shall not be personally liable for, and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the Partnership to enable it to effectuate, the return of the Capital Contributions of the Limited Partners or Unitholders, or any portion thereof, it being expressly understood that any such return shall be made solely from Partnership assets.

SECTION 12.7 Waiver of Partition.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Partner hereby waives any right to partition of the Partnership property.

SECTION 12.8 Capital Account Restoration.

No Limited Partner shall have any obligation to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of the Partnership. The General Partner shall be obligated to restore any negative balance in its Capital Account upon liquidation of its interest in the Partnership by the end of the taxable year of the Partnership during which such liquidation occurs, or, if later, within 90 days after the date of such liquidation.

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENT OF PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT; MEETINGS; RECORD DATE

SECTION 13.1 Amendment to be Adopted Solely by the General Partner.

Each Partner agrees that the General Partner, without the approval of any Partner or Assignee, may amend any provision of this Agreement and execute, swear to, acknowledge, deliver, file and record whatever documents may be required in connection therewith, to reflect:

(a) a change in the name of the Partnership, the location of the principal place of business of the Partnership, the registered agent of the Partnership or the registered office of the Partnership;

 

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(b) admission, substitution, withdrawal or removal of Partners in accordance with this Agreement;

(c) a change that, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, is necessary or advisable to qualify or continue the qualification of the Partnership as a limited partnership or a partnership in which the Limited Partners have limited liability under the laws of any state or to ensure that the Partnership and the Operating Partnership will not be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes;

(d) subject to Section  16.4 , Section  17.4 , Section  18.4 and Section  19.4 , a change that, in the discretion of the General Partner, (i) does not adversely affect the Limited Partners (including any particular class of Partnership Interests as compared to other classes of Partnership Interests) in any material respect, (ii) is necessary or advisable to (A) satisfy any requirements, conditions or guidelines contained in any opinion, directive, order, ruling or regulation of any federal or state agency or judicial authority or contained in any federal or state statute (including the Delaware Act) or (B) facilitate the trading of the Limited Partner Interests (including the division of any class, classes or series of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests into different classes to facilitate uniformity of tax consequences within such classes or series of Limited Partner Interests) or comply with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Limited Partner Interests are or will be listed for trading, compliance with any of which the General Partner determines in its discretion to be in the best interests of the Partnership and the Limited Partners, (iii) is necessary or advisable in connection with action taken by the General Partner pursuant to Section  5.8 or (iv) is required to effect the intent expressed in the Registration Statement or the intent of the provisions of this Agreement or is otherwise contemplated by this Agreement;

(e) a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the Partnership and any changes that, in the discretion of the General Partner, are necessary or advisable as a result of a change in the fiscal year or taxable year of the Partnership including, if the General Partner shall so determine, a change in the definition of “ Quarter ” and the dates on which distributions (other than Preferred Distributions) are to be made by the Partnership;

(f) an amendment that is necessary, in the Opinion of Counsel, to prevent the Partnership, or the General Partner or its directors, officers, trustees or agents from in any manner being subjected to the provisions of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended, or “ plan asset ” regulations adopted under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, regardless of whether such are substantially similar to plan asset regulations currently applied or proposed by the United States Department of Labor;

(g) subject to the terms of Section  16.4 , Section  17.4 , Section  18.4 , Section  19.4 and Section  5.6 , an amendment that, in the discretion of the General Partner, is necessary or advisable in connection with the authorization of issuance of any class or series of Partnership Securities pursuant to Section  5.5 ;

 

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(h) any amendment expressly permitted in this Agreement to be made by the General Partner acting alone;

(i) an amendment effected, necessitated or contemplated by a Merger Agreement approved in accordance with Section  14.3 ;

(j) an amendment that, in the discretion of the General Partner, is necessary or advisable to reflect, account for and deal with appropriately the formation by the Partnership of, or investment by the Partnership in, any corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other entity, in connection with the conduct by the Partnership of activities permitted by the terms of Section  2.4 ;

(k) a merger or conveyance pursuant to Section  14.3(d) ; or

(l) any other amendments substantially similar to the foregoing.

SECTION 13.2 Amendment Procedures.

Except as provided in Sections 13.1 and 13.3 , Article  XVI , Article  XVII , Article  XVIII and Article  XIX , all amendments to this Agreement shall be made in accordance with the following requirements. Amendments to this Agreement may be proposed only by or with the consent of the General Partner, which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion. A proposed amendment shall be effective upon its approval by the holders of a Unit Majority, unless a greater or different percentage is required under this Agreement or by Delaware law. Each proposed amendment that requires the approval of the holders of a specified percentage of Outstanding Units shall be set forth in a writing that contains the text of the proposed amendment. If such an amendment is proposed, the General Partner shall seek the written approval of the requisite percentage of Outstanding Units or call a meeting of the Unitholders to consider and vote on such proposed amendment. The General Partner shall notify all Record Holders upon final adoption of any such proposed amendments.

SECTION 13.3 Amendment Requirements.

(a) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 13.1 and 13.2 , no provision of this Agreement that establishes a percentage of Outstanding Units (including Units deemed owned by the General Partner) required to take any action shall be amended, altered, changed, repealed or rescinded in any respect that would have the effect of reducing such voting percentage unless such amendment is approved by the written consent or the affirmative vote of holders of Outstanding Units whose aggregate Outstanding Units constitute not less than the voting requirement sought to be reduced.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of Sections 13.1 and 13.2 , no amendment to this Agreement may (i) enlarge the obligations of any Limited Partner without its consent, unless such shall be deemed to have occurred as a result of an amendment approved pursuant to Section  13.3(c) , (ii) enlarge the obligations of, restrict in any way any action by or rights of, or

 

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reduce in any way the amounts distributable, reimbursable or otherwise payable to, the General Partner or any of its Affiliates without its consent, which consent may be given or withheld in its sole discretion, (iii) change Section  12.1(a) or 12.1(c) , or (iv) change the term of the Partnership or, except as set forth in Section  12.1(c) , give any Person the right to dissolve the Partnership.

(c) Except as otherwise provided and without limitation of the General Partner’s authority to adopt amendments to this Agreement without the approval of any Partners or Assignees as contemplated in Section  13.1 , any amendment that would have a material adverse effect on the rights or preferences of any class of Partnership Interests in relation to other classes of Partnership Interests must be approved by the holders of not less than a majority of the Outstanding Partnership Interests of the class affected.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, except for amendments pursuant to Section  13.1 and except as otherwise provided by Section  14.3(b) , no amendments shall become effective without the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the Outstanding Common Units unless the Partnership obtains an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that such amendment will not affect the limited liability of any Limited Partner under applicable law.

(e) Except as provided in Section  13.1 , this Section  13.3 shall only be amended with the approval of the holders of at least 90% of the Outstanding Units.

SECTION 13.4 Special Meetings.

All acts of Limited Partners to be taken pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken in the manner provided in this Article  XIII . Special meetings of the Limited Partners may be called by the General Partner or by Limited Partners owning 20% or more of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of the class or classes for which a meeting is proposed. Limited Partners shall call a special meeting by delivering to the General Partner one or more requests in writing stating that the signing Limited Partners wish to call a special meeting and indicating the general or specific purposes for which the special meeting is to be called. Within 60 days after receipt of such a call from Limited Partners or within such greater time as may be reasonably necessary for the Partnership to comply with any statutes, rules, regulations, listing agreements or similar requirements governing the holding of a meeting or the solicitation of proxies for use at such a meeting, the General Partner shall send a notice of the meeting to the Limited Partners either directly or indirectly through the Transfer Agent. A meeting shall be held at a time and place determined by the General Partner on a date not less than 10 days nor more than 60 days after the mailing of notice of the meeting. Limited Partners shall not vote on matters that would cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the Limited Partners’ limited liability under the Delaware Act or the law of any other state in which the Partnership is qualified to do business.

SECTION 13.5 Notice of a Meeting.

Notice of a meeting called pursuant to Section  13.4 shall be given to the Record Holders of the class or classes of Limited Partner Interests for which a meeting is proposed in writing by mail or other means of written communication in accordance with Section  20.1 . The notice shall be deemed to have been given at the time when deposited in the mail or sent by other means of written communication.

 

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SECTION 13.6 Record Date.

For purposes of determining the Limited Partners entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of the Limited Partners or to give approvals without a meeting as provided in Section  13.11 the General Partner may set a Record Date, which shall not be less than 10 nor more than 60 days before (a) the date of the meeting (unless such requirement conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Limited Partner Interests are listed for trading, in which case the rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of such exchange shall govern) or (b) in the event that approvals are sought without a meeting, the date by which Limited Partners are requested in writing by the General Partner to give such approvals.

SECTION 13.7 Adjournment.

When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting and a new Record Date need not be fixed, if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless such adjournment shall be for more than 45 days. At the adjourned meeting, the Partnership may transact any business which might have been transacted at the original meeting. If the adjournment is for more than 45 days or if a new Record Date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given in accordance with this Article  XIII .

SECTION 13.8 Waiver of Notice; Approval of Meeting; Approval of Minutes.

The transactions of any meeting of Limited Partners, however called and noticed, and whenever held, shall be as valid as if it had occurred at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present either in person or by proxy, and if, either before or after the meeting, Limited Partners representing such quorum who were present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote, sign a written waiver of notice or an approval of the holding of the meeting or an approval of the minutes thereof. All waivers and approvals shall be filed with the Partnership records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting. Attendance of a Limited Partner at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of the meeting, except when the Limited Partner does not approve, at the beginning of the meeting, of the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened; and except that attendance at a meeting is not a waiver of any right to disapprove the consideration of matters required to be included in the notice of the meeting, but not so included, if the disapproval is expressly made at the meeting.

SECTION 13.9 Quorum.

The holders of a majority of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests of the class, classes or series for which a meeting has been called (including Limited Partner Interests deemed owned by the General Partner) represented in person or by proxy shall constitute a quorum at a meeting of Limited Partners of such class, classes or series unless any such action by the Limited Partners requires approval by holders of a greater percentage of such Limited Partner Interests, in which case the quorum shall be such greater percentage. At any meeting of the Limited Partners

 

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duly called and held in accordance with this Agreement at which a quorum is present, the act of Limited Partners holding Outstanding Limited Partner Interests that in the aggregate represent a majority of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests entitled to vote and be present in person or by proxy at such meeting shall be deemed to constitute the act of all Limited Partners, unless a greater or different percentage is required with respect to such action under the provisions of this Agreement, in which case the act of the Limited Partners holding Outstanding Limited Partner Interests that in the aggregate represent at least such greater or different percentage shall be required. The Limited Partners present at a duly called or held meeting at which a quorum is present may continue to transact business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough Limited Partners to leave less than a quorum, if any action taken (other than adjournment) is approved by the required percentage of Outstanding Limited Partner Interests specified in this Agreement (including Limited Partner Interests deemed owned by the General Partner). In the absence of a quorum any meeting of Limited Partners may be adjourned from time to time by the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests entitled to vote at such meeting (including Limited Partner Interests deemed owned by the General Partner) represented either in person or by proxy, but no other business may be transacted, except as provided in Section  13.7 .

SECTION 13.10 Conduct of a Meeting.

The General Partner shall have full power and authority concerning the manner of conducting any meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including the determination of Persons entitled to vote, the existence of a quorum, the satisfaction of the requirements of Section  13.4 , the conduct of voting, the validity and effect of any proxies and the determination of any controversies, votes or challenges arising in connection with or during the meeting or voting. The General Partner shall designate a Person to serve as chairman of any meeting and shall further designate a Person to take the minutes of any meeting. All minutes shall be kept with the records of the Partnership maintained by the General Partner. The General Partner may make such other regulations consistent with applicable law and this Agreement as it may deem advisable concerning the conduct of any meeting of the Limited Partners or solicitation of approvals in writing, including regulations in regard to the appointment of proxies, the appointment and duties of inspectors of votes and approvals, the submission and examination of proxies and other evidence of the right to vote, and the revocation of approvals in writing.

SECTION 13.11 Action Without a Meeting.

If authorized by the General Partner, any action that may be taken at a meeting of the Limited Partners may be taken without a meeting if an approval in writing setting forth the action so taken is signed by Limited Partners owning not less than the minimum percentage of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests (including Limited Partner Interests deemed owned by the General Partner) that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all the Limited Partners were present and voted (unless such provision conflicts with any rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Limited Partner Interests are listed for trading, in which case the rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of such exchange shall govern). Prompt notice of the taking of action without a meeting shall be given to the Limited Partners who have not approved in writing. The General Partner may specify that any written ballot submitted to Limited Partners for the purpose of

 

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taking any action without a meeting shall be returned to the Partnership within the time period, which shall be not less than 20 days, specified by the General Partner. If a ballot returned to the Partnership does not vote all of the Limited Partner Interests held by the Limited Partners the Partnership shall be deemed to have failed to receive a ballot for the Limited Partner Interests that were not voted. If approval of the taking of any action by the Limited Partners is solicited by any Person other than by or on behalf of the General Partner, the written approvals shall have no force and effect unless and until (a) they are deposited with the Partnership in care of the General Partner, (b) approvals sufficient to take the action proposed are dated as of a date not more than 90 days prior to the date sufficient approvals are deposited with the Partnership and (c) an Opinion of Counsel is delivered to the General Partner to the effect that the exercise of such right and the action proposed to be taken with respect to any particular matter (i) will not cause the Limited Partners to be deemed to be taking part in the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership so as to jeopardize the Limited Partners’ limited liability, and (ii) is otherwise permissible under the state statutes then governing the rights, duties and liabilities of the Partnership and the Partners.

SECTION 13.12 Voting and Other Rights.

(a) Only those Record Holders of the Limited Partner Interests on the Record Date set pursuant to Section  13.6 (and also subject to the limitations contained in the definition of “ Outstanding ”) shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, a meeting of Unitholders or to act with respect to matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests have the right to vote or to act. All references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of the Record Holders of such Outstanding Limited Partner Interests.

(b) Only those Record Holders of the Series A Preferred Units on the Record Date set pursuant to Section  13.6 (and subject to the limitations contained in the definition of “ Outstanding ” and the limitations set forth in Section  16.4 ) shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, a meeting of Limited Partners holding Series A Preferred Units or to act with respect to matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units have the right to vote or to act. All references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of the Record Holders of such Outstanding Series A Preferred Units.

(c) Only those Record Holders of the Series B Preferred Units on the Record Date set pursuant to Section  13.6 (and subject to the limitations contained in the definition of “ Outstanding ” and the limitations set forth in Section  17.4 ) shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, a meeting of Limited Partners holding Series B Preferred Units or to act with respect to matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units have the right to vote or to act. All references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of the Record Holders of such Outstanding Series B Preferred Units.

(d) Only those Record Holders of the Series C Preferred Units on the Record Date set pursuant to Section  13.6 (and subject to the limitations contained in the definition of “ Outstanding ” and the limitations set forth in Section  18.4 ) shall be entitled to notice of, and to

 

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vote at, a meeting of Limited Partners holding Series C Preferred Units or to act with respect to matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units have the right to vote or to act. All references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of the Record Holders of such Outstanding Series C Preferred Units.

(e) Only those Record Holders of the Series D Preferred Units on the Record Date set pursuant to Section  13.6 (and subject to the limitations contained in the definition of “ Outstanding ” and the limitations set forth in Section  19.4 ) shall be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, a meeting of Limited Partners holding Series D Preferred Units or to act with respect to matters as to which the holders of the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units have the right to vote or to act (including matters with respect to which the Series D Preferred Holders are entitled to vote, including on an “as if” converted basis, pursuant to Section  19.4 ). All references in this Agreement to votes of, or other acts that may be taken by, the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units shall be deemed to be references to the votes or acts of the Record Holders of such Outstanding Series D Preferred Units.

(f) With respect to Limited Partner Interests that are held for a Person’s account by another Person (such as a broker, dealer, bank, trust company or clearing corporation, or an agent of any of the foregoing), in whose name such Limited Partner Interests are registered, such other Person shall, in exercising the voting rights in respect of such Limited Partner Interests on any matter, and unless the arrangement between such Persons provides otherwise, vote such Limited Partner Interests in favor of, and at the direction of, the Person who is the beneficial owner, and the Partnership shall be entitled to assume it is so acting without further inquiry. The provisions of this Section  13.12(f) (as well as all other provisions of this Agreement) are subject to the provisions of Section  4.3 .

ARTICLE XIV

MERGER

SECTION 14.1 Authority.

The Partnership may merge or consolidate with one or more corporations, limited liability companies, business trusts or associations, real estate investment trusts, common law trusts or unincorporated businesses, including a general partnership or limited partnership, formed under the laws of the State of Delaware or any other state of the United States of America, pursuant to a written agreement of merger or consolidation (“ Merger Agreement ”) in accordance with this Article  XIV .

SECTION 14.2 Procedure for Merger or Consolidation.

Merger or consolidation of the Partnership pursuant to this Article  XIV requires the prior approval of the General Partner. If the General Partner shall determine, in the exercise of its discretion, to consent to the merger or consolidation, the General Partner shall approve the Merger Agreement, which shall set forth:

(a) The names and jurisdictions of formation or organization of each of the business entities proposing to merge or consolidate;

 

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(b) The name and jurisdiction of formation or organization of the business entity that is to survive the proposed merger or consolidation (the “ Surviving Business Entity ”);

(c) The terms and conditions of the proposed merger or consolidation;

(d) The manner and basis of exchanging or converting the equity securities of each constituent business entity for, or into, cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity; and (i) if any general or limited partner interests, securities or rights of any constituent business entity are not to be exchanged or converted solely for, or into, cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity, the cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of any limited partnership, corporation, trust or other entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity) which the holders of such general or limited partner interests, securities or rights are to receive in exchange for, or upon conversion of their general or limited partner interests, securities or rights, and (ii) in the case of securities represented by certificates, upon the surrender of such certificates, which cash, property or general or limited partner interests, rights, securities or obligations of the Surviving Business Entity or any general or limited partnership, corporation, trust or other entity (other than the Surviving Business Entity), or evidences thereof, are to be delivered;

(e) A statement of any changes in the constituent documents or the adoption of new constituent documents (the articles or certificate of incorporation, articles of trust, declaration of trust, certificate or agreement of limited partnership or other similar charter or governing document) of the Surviving Business Entity to be effected by such merger or consolidation;

(f) The effective time of the merger, which may be the date of the filing of the certificate of merger pursuant to Section  14.4 or a later date specified in or determinable in accordance with the Merger Agreement ( provided , that if the effective time of the merger is to be later than the date of the filing of the certificate of merger, the effective time shall be fixed no later than the time of the filing of the certificate of merger and stated therein); and

(g) Such other provisions with respect to the proposed merger or consolidation as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the General Partner.

SECTION 14.3 Approval by Limited Partners of Merger or Consolidation.

(a) Except as provided in Section  14.3(d) , the General Partner, upon its approval of the Merger Agreement, shall direct that the Merger Agreement be submitted to a vote of Unitholders, whether at a special meeting or by written consent, in either case in accordance with the requirements of Article  XIII . A copy or a summary of the Merger Agreement shall be included in or enclosed with the notice of a special meeting or the written consent.

(b) Except as provided in Section  14.3(d) , the Merger Agreement shall be approved upon receiving the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of a Unit Majority unless the Merger Agreement contains any provision that, if contained in an amendment to this Agreement, the provisions of this Agreement or the Delaware Act would require for its approval the vote or consent of a greater percentage of the Outstanding Limited Partner Interests or of any class of Limited Partners, in which case such greater percentage vote or consent shall be required for approval of the Merger Agreement.

 

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(c) Except as provided in Section  14.3(d) , after such approval by vote or consent of the Limited Partners, and at any time prior to the filing of the certificate of merger pursuant to Section  14.4 , the merger or consolidation may be abandoned pursuant to provisions therefor, if any, set forth in the Merger Agreement.

(d) Notwithstanding anything else contained in this Article  XIV or in this Agreement, the General Partner is permitted, in its discretion, without Limited Partner approval, to merge the Partnership or any Group Member into, or convey all of the Partnership’s assets to, another limited liability entity which shall be newly formed and shall have no assets, liabilities or operations at the time of such Merger other than those it receives from the Partnership or other Group Member if (i) the General Partner has received an Opinion of Counsel that the merger or conveyance, as the case may be, would not result in the loss of the limited liability of any Limited Partner or any partner in the Operating Partnership or cause the Partnership or Operating Partnership to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation or otherwise to be taxed as an entity for federal income tax purposes (to the extent not previously treated as such), (ii) the sole purpose of such merger or conveyance is to effect a mere change in the legal form of the Partnership into another limited liability entity and (iii) the governing instruments of the new entity provide the Limited Partners and the General Partner with the same rights and obligations as are herein contained.

SECTION 14.4 Certificate of Merger.

Upon the required approval pursuant to Sections 14.2 and 14.3(b) of a Merger Agreement, subject to Section  14.3(c) , a certificate of merger shall be executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in conformity with the requirements of the Delaware Act.

SECTION 14.5 Effect of Merger.

(a) At the effective time of the certificate of merger:

(i) all of the rights, privileges and powers of each of the business entities that has merged or consolidated, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to any of those business entities and all other things and causes of action belonging to each of those business entities, shall be vested in the Surviving Business Entity and after the merger or consolidation shall be the property of the Surviving Business Entity to the extent they were of each constituent business entity;

(ii) the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in any of those constituent business entities shall not revert and is not in any way impaired because of the merger or consolidation;

(iii) all rights of creditors and all liens on or security interests in property of any of those constituent business entities shall be preserved unimpaired; and

 

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(iv) all debts, liabilities and duties of those constituent business entities shall attach to the Surviving Business Entity and may be enforced against it to the same extent as if the debts, liabilities and duties had been incurred or contracted by it.

(b) A merger or consolidation effected pursuant to this Article  XIV shall not be deemed to result in a transfer or assignment of assets or liabilities from one entity to another.

ARTICLE XV

RIGHT TO ACQUIRE LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS

SECTION 15.1 Right to Acquire Limited Partner Interests.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (but subject to Section  15.1(d) ), if at any time not more than 20% of the total Limited Partner Interests of any class then Outstanding is held by Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, the General Partner shall then have the right, which right it may assign and transfer in whole or in part to the Partnership or any Affiliate of the General Partner, exercisable in its sole discretion, to purchase all, but not less than all, of such Limited Partner Interests of such class then Outstanding held by Persons other than the General Partner and its Affiliates, at the greater of (x) the Current Market Price as of the date three days prior to the date that the notice described in Section  15.1(b) is mailed and (y) the highest price paid by the General Partner or any of its Affiliates for any such Limited Partner Interest of such class purchased during the 90-day period preceding the date that the notice described in Section  15.1(b) is mailed. As used in this Agreement, (i) “ Current Market Price ” as of any date of any class of Limited Partner Interests listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange means the average of the daily Closing Prices (as hereinafter defined) per Limited Partner Interest of such class for the 20 consecutive Trading Days (as hereinafter defined) immediately prior to such date; (ii) “ Closing Price ” for any day means the last sale price on such day, regular way, or in case no such sale takes place on such day, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day, regular way, in either case as reported in the principal consolidated transaction reporting system with respect to securities listed or admitted for trading on the principal National Securities Exchange (other than the Nasdaq Stock Market) on which such Limited Partner Interests of such class are listed or admitted to trading or, if such Limited Partner Interests of such class are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange (other than the Nasdaq Stock Market), the last quoted price on such day or, if not so quoted, the average of the high bid and low asked prices on such day in the over-the-counter market, as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market or such other system then in use, or, if on any such day such Limited Partner Interests of such class are not quoted by any such organization, the average of the closing bid and asked prices on such day as furnished by a professional market maker making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class selected by the General Partner, or if on any such day no market maker is making a market in such Limited Partner Interests of such class, the fair value of such Limited Partner Interests on such day as determined reasonably and in good faith by the General Partner; and (iii) “ Trading Day ” means a day on which the principal National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests of any class are listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if Limited Partner Interests of a class are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, a day on which banking institutions in New York City generally are open.

 

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(b) If the General Partner, any Affiliate of the General Partner or the Partnership elects to exercise the right to purchase Limited Partner Interests granted pursuant to Section  15.1(a) , the General Partner shall deliver to the Transfer Agent notice of such election to purchase (the “ Notice of Election to Purchase ”) and shall cause the Transfer Agent to mail a copy of such Notice of Election to Purchase to the Record Holders of Limited Partner Interests of such class (as of a Record Date selected by the General Partner) at least 10, but not more than 60, days prior to the Purchase Date. Such Notice of Election to Purchase shall also be published for a period of at least three consecutive days in at least two daily newspapers of general circulation printed in the English language and published in the Borough of Manhattan, New York. The Notice of Election to Purchase shall specify the Purchase Date and the price (determined in accordance with Section  15.1(a) ) at which Limited Partner Interests will be purchased and state that the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, elects to purchase such Limited Partner Interests, upon surrender of Certificates representing such Limited Partner Interests in exchange for payment, at such office or offices of the Transfer Agent as the Transfer Agent may specify, or as may be required by any National Securities Exchange on which such Limited Partner Interests are listed or admitted to trading. Any such Notice of Election to Purchase mailed to a Record Holder of Limited Partner Interests at his address as reflected in the records of the Transfer Agent shall be conclusively presumed to have been given regardless of whether the owner receives such notice. On or prior to the Purchase Date, the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, shall deposit with the Transfer Agent cash in an amount sufficient to pay the aggregate purchase price of all of such Limited Partner Interests to be purchased in accordance with this Section  15.1 . If the Notice of Election to Purchase shall have been duly given as aforesaid at least 10 days prior to the Purchase Date, and if on or prior to the Purchase Date the deposit described in the preceding sentence has been made for the benefit of the holders of Limited Partner Interests subject to purchase as provided herein, then from and after the Purchase Date, notwithstanding that any Certificate shall not have been surrendered for purchase, all rights of the holders of such Limited Partner Interests (including any rights pursuant to Articles IV , V , VI , and XII ) shall thereupon cease, except the right to receive the purchase price (determined in accordance with Section  15.1(a) ) for Limited Partner Interests therefor, without interest, upon surrender to the Transfer Agent of the Certificates representing such Limited Partner Interests, and such Limited Partner Interests shall thereupon be deemed to be transferred to the General Partner, its Affiliate or the Partnership, as the case may be, on the record books of the Transfer Agent and the Partnership, and the General Partner or any Affiliate of the General Partner, or the Partnership, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be the owner of all such Limited Partner Interests from and after the Purchase Date and shall have all rights as the owner of such Limited Partner Interests (including all rights as owner of such Limited Partner Interests pursuant to Articles  IV , V , VI and XII ).

(c) At any time from and after the Purchase Date, a holder of an Outstanding Limited Partner Interest subject to purchase as provided in this Section  15.1 may surrender his Certificate evidencing such Limited Partner Interest to the Transfer Agent in exchange for payment of the amount described in Section  15.1(a) , therefor, without interest thereon.

(d) Notwithstanding anything in this Article  XV to the contrary, the repurchase right described in this Article  XV shall not apply to Preferred Units.

 

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ARTICLE XVI

SERIES A FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PERPETUAL

PREFERRED UNITS

SECTION 16.1 Designations.

A series of Preferred Units designated as “8.50% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units” is hereby designated and created, and the preferences, rights, powers and duties of the holders of the Series A Preferred Units are set forth herein, including this  Article  XVI . Each Series A Preferred Unit shall be identical in all respects to every other Series A Preferred Unit, except as to the respective dates from which the Series A Liquidation Preference shall increase or from which Series A Distributions may begin accruing, to the extent such dates may differ. The Series A Preferred Units represent perpetual equity interests in the Partnership and, except as set forth in  Sections 16.5  and  16.11 , shall not give rise to a claim by the Partnership or a Series A Holder for redemption or the conversion thereof, as applicable, at a particular date.

SECTION 16.2 Series  A Preferred Units.

(a) The authorized number of Series A Preferred Units shall be unlimited. Series A Preferred Units that are purchased or otherwise acquired by the Partnership shall be cancelled.

(b) The Series A Preferred Units shall be represented by one or more global Certificates registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, and no Series A Holder shall be entitled to receive a definitive Certificate evidencing its Series A Preferred Units, unless otherwise required by law or the Depositary gives notice of its intention to resign or is no longer eligible to act as such with respect to the Series A Preferred Units and the Partnership shall have not selected a substitute Depositary within 60 calendar days thereafter. So long as the Depositary shall have been appointed and is serving with respect to the Series A Preferred Units, payments and communications made by the Partnership to Series A Holders shall be made by making payments to, and communicating with, the Depositary.

SECTION 16.3 Distributions.

(a) Distributions on each Series A Preferred Unit shall be cumulative and shall accumulate at the applicable Series A Distribution Rate from and including the Series A Original Issue Date (or, for any subsequently issued and newly Outstanding Series A Preferred Units, from and including the Series A Distribution Payment Date immediately preceding the issue date of such Series A Preferred Units) until such time as the Partnership pays the Series A Distribution or redeems such Series A Preferred Unit in accordance with Section  16.5 or such Series A Preferred Unit is converted in accordance with Section  16.11 , whether or not such Series A Distributions shall have been declared. Series A Holders shall be entitled to receive Series A Distributions from time to time out of any assets of the Partnership legally available for the payment of distributions at the Series A Distribution Rate per Series A Preferred Unit when, as, and if declared by the General Partner. Distributions, to the extent declared by the General Partner to be paid by the Partnership in accordance with this Section  16.3 , shall be paid quarterly

 

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on each Series A Distribution Payment Date. Distributions shall accumulate in each Series A Distribution Period from and including the preceding Series A Distribution Payment Date (other than the initial Series A Distribution Period, which shall commence on and include the Series A Original Issue Date), to but excluding the next Series A Distribution Payment Date for such Series A Distribution Period; provided that distributions shall accrue on accumulated but unpaid Series A Distributions at the Series A Distribution Rate. If any Series A Distribution Payment Date otherwise would occur on a date that is not a Business Day, declared Series A Distributions shall be paid on the immediately succeeding Business Day without the accumulation of additional distributions. Series A Distributions shall be payable based on a 360-day year consisting of four 90-day quarters. All Series A Distributions payable by the Partnership pursuant to this Section  16.3 shall be payable without regard to income of the Partnership and shall be treated for federal income tax purposes as guaranteed payments for the use of capital under Section 707(c) of the Code.

(b) Not later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on each Series A Distribution Payment Date, the Partnership shall pay those Series A Distributions, if any, that shall have been declared by the General Partner to Series A Holders on the Record Date for the applicable Series A Distribution. The Record Date (the “ Series  A Distribution Record Date ”) for the payment of any Series A Distributions shall be as of the close of business on the first Business Day of the month of the applicable Series A Distribution Payment Date, except that in the case of payments of Series A Distributions in Arrears, the Series A Distribution Record Date with respect to a Series A Distribution Payment Date shall be such date as may be designated by the General Partner in accordance with this Article  XVI . So long as any Series A Preferred Units are Outstanding, no distribution shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment on any Junior Securities (other than a distribution payable solely in Junior Securities) unless full cumulative Series A Distributions have been or contemporaneously are being paid or set aside for payment on all Outstanding Series A Preferred Units (and distributions on any other Parity Securities) through the most recent respective Series A Distribution Payment Date (and distribution payment date with respect to such Parity Securities, if any). Accumulated Series A Distributions in Arrears for any past Series A Distribution Period may be declared by the General Partner and paid on any date fixed by the General Partner, whether or not a Series A Distribution Payment Date, to Series A Holders on the Record Date for such payment, which may not be less than 10 days before such payment date. Subject to the next succeeding sentence, if all accumulated Series A Distributions in Arrears on all Outstanding Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities shall not have been declared and paid, or if sufficient funds for the payment thereof shall not have been set aside, payment of accumulated distributions in Arrears on the Series A Preferred Units and any such Parity Securities shall be made in order of their respective distribution payment dates, commencing with the earliest. If less than all distributions payable with respect to all Series A Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities are paid, any partial payment shall be made Pro Rata with respect to the Series A Preferred Units and any such other Parity Securities entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate distribution amounts remaining due in respect of such Series A Preferred Units and such other Parity Securities at such time. Subject to Sections 12.4 and 16.5 , Series A Holders shall not be entitled to any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or Partnership Securities, in excess of full cumulative Series A Distributions. Except insofar as distributions accrue on the amount of any accumulated and unpaid Series A Distributions as described in Section  16.3(a) , no interest or sum of money in lieu of interest shall be payable in respect of any distribution payment which

 

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may be in Arrears on the Series A Preferred Units. So long as the Series A Preferred Units are held of record by the Depositary or its nominee, declared Series A Distributions shall be paid to the Depositary in same-day funds on each Series A Distribution Payment Date or other distribution payment date in the case of payments for Series A Distributions in Arrears.

(c) The “ Series  A Three-Month LIBOR ” for each Series A Distribution Period during the Series A Floating Rate Period shall be determined by the Calculation Agent, as of the applicable Series A LIBOR Determination Date, in accordance with the following provisions:

(i) The Series A Three-Month LIBOR shall be the rate (expressed as a percentage per year) for deposits in U.S. dollars for a three-month period commencing on the first day of such Series A Distribution Period that appears on Reuters Page LIBOR01 as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Series A LIBOR Determination Date.

(ii) If the Series A Three-Month LIBOR cannot be determined as described in Section  16.3(c)(i) , the Partnership shall select four major banks in the London interbank market and request that the principal London offices of those four selected banks provide their offered quotations for deposits in U.S. dollars for a period of three months, commencing on the first day of the applicable Series A Distribution Period, to prime banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Series A LIBOR Determination Date for such Series A Distribution Period. Offered quotations must be based on a principal amount equal to an amount that, in the Partnership’s judgment, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in the London interbank market at the time. If two or more quotations are provided, the Series A Three-Month LIBOR for such Series A Distribution Period will be the arithmetic mean of the quotations. If fewer than two quotations are provided, the Series A Three-Month LIBOR for such Series A Distribution Period will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted on the Series A LIBOR Determination Date for such Series A Distribution Period by three major banks in New York City selected by the Partnership, for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks for a three-month period commencing on the first day of such Series A Distribution Period. The rates quoted must be based on an amount that, in the Partnership’s judgment, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in that market at the time. If fewer than three New York City banks selected by the Partnership are quoting rates in the manner described above, the Series A Three-Month LIBOR for the applicable Series A Distribution Period will be the same as for the immediately preceding Series A Distribution Period or, if the immediately preceding Series A Distribution Period was within the Series A Fixed Rate Period, the same as for the most recent quarter for which the Series A Three-Month LIBOR can be determined;

(iii) All percentages resulting from any of the above calculations will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).

 

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SECTION 16.4 Voting Rights.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Series A Preferred Units shall not have any voting rights except as set forth in Section  13.3(c) , this Section  16.4 or as otherwise required by the Delaware Act.

(b) Without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units, voting as a separate class, the General Partner shall not adopt any amendment to this Agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the powers, preferences, duties or special rights of the Series A Preferred Units; provided, however , that (i) subject to Section  16.4(c) , the issuance of additional Partnership Securities shall not be deemed to constitute such a material adverse effect for purposes of this Section  16.4(b) and (ii) for purposes of this Section  16.4(b) , no amendment of this Agreement in connection with a merger or other transaction in which the Partnership is the surviving entity and the Series A Preferred Units remain Outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged in any respect adverse to the Series A Holders shall be deemed to materially and adversely affect the powers, preferences, duties or special rights of the Series A Preferred Units.

(c) Without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the Partnership shall not (x) create or issue any Parity Securities if the cumulative distributions payable on Series A Preferred Units or any Parity Securities are in Arrears or (y) create or issue any Senior Securities.

(d) For any matter described in this Section  16.4 in which the Series A Holders are entitled to vote as a class (whether separately or together with the holders of any Parity Securities), such Series A Holders shall be entitled to one vote per Series A Preferred Unit. Any Series A Preferred Units held by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or their controlled Affiliates shall not be entitled to vote.

(e) Notwithstanding Sections 16.4(b) and 16.4(c) , no vote of the Series A Holders shall be required if, at or prior to the time when such action is to take effect, provision is made for the redemption of all Series A Preferred Units at the time Outstanding.

SECTION 16.5 Optional Redemption ; Series  A Rating Event

(a) The Partnership shall have the right (i) at any time, and from time to time, on or after December 15, 2021 or (ii) at any time within 120 days after the conclusion of any review or appeal process instituted by the Partnership following the occurrence of a Series A Rating Event or (iii) at any time within 120 days after the first date on which a Change of Control occurs, in each case, to redeem the Series A Preferred Units, which redemption may be in whole or in part (except with respect to a redemption pursuant to clause (ii) of this Section  16.5(a) which shall be in whole but not in part), using any source of funds legally available for such purpose. Any such redemption shall occur on a date set by the General Partner (the “ Series  A Redemption Date ”). The Partnership shall effect any such redemption by paying cash for each Series A Preferred Unit to be redeemed equal to the Series A Liquidation

 

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Preference for such Series A Preferred Unit on such Series A Redemption Date plus an amount equal to all unpaid distributions thereon from the Series A Original Issue Date to, but not including, the Series A Redemption Date (whether or not such distributions shall have been declared) (the “ Series  A Redemption Price ”); provided that in connection with a redemption in accordance with clause (ii) of this Section  16.5(a) , the Series A Liquidation Preference per Series A Preferred Unit shall be deemed to be equal to $25.50. So long as the Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed are held of record by the nominee of the Depositary, the Series A Redemption Price shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the Depositary on the Series A Redemption Date.

(b) The Partnership shall give notice of any redemption by mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the scheduled Series A Redemption Date to the Series A Holders (as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Business Day next preceding the day on which notice is given) of any Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed as such Series A Holders’ names appear on the books of the Transfer Agent and at the address of such Series A Holders shown therein. Such notice (the “ Series  A Redemption Notice ”) shall state, as applicable: (1) the Series A Redemption Date, (2) the number of Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed and, if less than all Outstanding Series A Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the number (and the identification) of Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed from such Series A Holder, (3) the Series A Redemption Price, (4) the place where any Series A Preferred Units in certificated form are to be redeemed and shall be presented and surrendered for payment of the Series A Redemption Price therefor and (5) that distributions on the Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease to accumulate from and after such Series A Redemption Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Partnership may give the Series A Redemption Notice in advance of a Change of Control if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of giving the Series A Redemption Notice.

(c) If the Partnership elects to redeem less than all of the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units, the number of Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed shall be determined by the General Partner, and such Series A Preferred Units shall be redeemed by such method of selection as the Depositary shall determine, either Pro Rata or by lot, with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional Series A Preferred Units. The aggregate Series A Redemption Price for any such partial redemption of the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units shall be allocated correspondingly among the redeemed Series A Preferred Units. The Series A Preferred Units not redeemed shall remain Outstanding and entitled to all the rights and preferences provided in this Article  XVI .

(d) If the Partnership gives or causes to be given a Series A Redemption Notice, the Partnership shall deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to redeem the Series A Preferred Units as to which such Series A Redemption Notice shall have been given, no later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Series A Redemption Date, and shall give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Series A Redemption Price to the Series A Holders whose Series A Preferred Units are to be redeemed upon surrender or deemed surrender (which shall occur automatically if the Certificate representing such Series A Preferred Units is issued in the name of the Depositary or its nominee) of the Certificates therefor as set forth in the Series A Redemption Notice. If the Series A Redemption Notice shall have been given, from and after the Series A Redemption Date, unless the Partnership defaults in providing

 

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funds sufficient for such redemption at the time and place specified for payment pursuant to the Series A Redemption Notice, all Series A Distributions on such Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease to accumulate and all rights of holders of such Series A Preferred Units as Limited Partners with respect to such Series A Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease, except the right to receive the Series A Redemption Price, and such Series A Preferred Units shall not thereafter be transferred on the books of the Transfer Agent or be deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose whatsoever. The Series A Holders shall have no claim to the interest income, if any, earned on such funds deposited with the Paying Agent. Any funds deposited with the Paying Agent hereunder by the Partnership for any reason, including redemption of Series A Preferred Units, that remain unclaimed or unpaid after two years after the applicable Series A Redemption Date or other payment date, as applicable, shall be, to the extent permitted by law, repaid to the Partnership upon its written request, after which repayment the Series A Holders entitled to such redemption or other payment shall have recourse only to the Partnership. Notwithstanding any Series A Redemption Notice, there shall be no redemption of any Series A Preferred Units called for redemption until funds sufficient to pay the full Series A Redemption Price of such Series A Preferred Units shall have been deposited by the Partnership with the Paying Agent.

(e) Any Series A Preferred Units that are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Partnership shall be cancelled. If only a portion of the Series A Preferred Units represented by a Certificate shall have been called for redemption, upon surrender of the Certificate to the Paying Agent (which shall occur automatically if the Certificate representing such Series A Preferred Units is registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee), the Partnership shall issue and the Paying Agent shall deliver to the Series A Holders a new Certificate (or adjust the applicable book-entry account) representing the number of Series A Preferred Units represented by the surrendered Certificate that have not been called for redemption.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article  XVI , in the event that full cumulative distributions on the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities shall not have been paid or declared and set aside for payment, the Partnership shall not be permitted to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, in whole or in part, any Series A Preferred Units or Parity Securities except pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same relative terms to all Series A Holders and holders of any Parity Securities. Subject to Section  4.10 , so long as any Series A Preferred Units are Outstanding, the Partnership shall not be permitted to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any Common Units or any other Junior Securities unless full cumulative distributions on the Series A Preferred Units and any Parity Securities for all prior and the then-ending Series A Distribution Periods shall have been paid or declared and set aside for payment.

SECTION 16.6 Rank.  

The Series A Preferred Units shall each be deemed to rank:

(a) senior to any Junior Securities;

(b) on a parity with any Parity Securities;

(c) junior to any Senior Securities; and

 

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(d) junior to all existing and future indebtedness of the Partnership and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against the Partnership.

The Partnership may issue Junior Securities and, subject to any approvals required pursuant to Section  16.4(c) , Section  17.4(c) , Section  18.4(c) and Section  19.4 , Parity Securities from time to time in one or more classes or series without the consent of the Series A Holders. Pursuant to Section  5.5 , the General Partner has the authority to determine the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any such class or series before the issuance of any Partnership Interests of such class or series.

SECTION 16.7 No Sinking Fund.  

The Series A Preferred Units shall not have the benefit of any sinking fund.

SECTION 16.8 Record Holders.  

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the General Partner, the Partnership, the Transfer Agent and the Paying Agent may deem and treat any Series A Holder as the true, lawful and absolute owner of the applicable Series A Preferred Units for all purposes, and neither the General Partner, the Partnership nor the Transfer Agent or the Paying Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Series A Preferred Units are listed or admitted to trading.

SECTION 16.9 Notices.  

All notices or communications in respect of the Series A Preferred Units shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Article  XVI , this Agreement or by applicable law.

SECTION 16.10 Other Rights; Fiduciary Duties.  

The Series A Preferred Units and the Series A Holders shall not have any designations, preferences, rights, powers or duties, other than as set forth in this Agreement or as provided by applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any duty existing at law, in equity or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, neither the General Partner nor any other Indemnitee shall owe any duties or have any liabilities to Series A Holders, other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

SECTION 16.11 Change of Control.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control that occurs after the Series A Original Issue Date, each Series A Holder shall have the right (“ Series  A  Change of Control Conversion Right ”) to convert some or all of the Series A Preferred Units held by such Series A Holder on the Series A Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of Common Units per Series A Preferred Unit that is an amount equal to the Series A Conversion Ratio (such number

 

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of Common Units, the “ Series  A Common Unit Conversion Consideration ”), unless the Partnership provides notice of its election to redeem Series A Preferred Units prior to the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  16.5(a)(iii) . The “ Series  A Change of Control Conversion Date ” shall be the date fixed by the General Partner, in its sole discretion, as the date the Series A Preferred Units are entitled to be converted to Series A Conversion Common Units as provided in this Section  16.11 . Such Series A Change of Control Conversion Date shall be a Business Day that is no fewer than 20 days nor more than 35 days from the date on which the Partnership provides the notice to Series A Holders of the Series A Change of Control Conversion Right under Section  16.11(b) .

(b) No later than five days following the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  16.5(a)(iii) or, if earlier waived, the date of the Partnership’s waiver of such right, the Partnership will provide written notice to the Series A Holders that describes the Series A Change of Control Conversion Right and states: (i) the events constituting the Change of Control; (ii) the date of the Change of Control; (iii) the date on which the Partnership’s right to redeem the Outstanding Series A Preferred Units pursuant to Section  16.5(a)(iii) expired or was waived; (iv) the Series A Change of Control Conversion Date; (v) the last date on which the Series A Holders may exercise their Series A Change of Control Conversion Right; (vi) the method and period for calculating the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series A Preferred Units; (vii) if applicable, the type and amount of Series A Alternative Conversion Consideration entitled to be received per Series A Preferred Unit; (viii) the name and address of the Paying Agent; and (ix) the procedures that the Series A Holders must follow to exercise the Series A Change of Control Conversion Right.

(c) Subject to Section  5.8 , the “ Series  A Conversion Ratio ” shall be calculated as the lesser of: (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the Series A Liquidation Preference as of the Series A Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Series A Change of Control Conversion Date is after a Series A Distribution Record Date and prior to the corresponding Series A Distribution Payment Date, in which case any accumulated and unpaid distribution will be excluded from this amount) by (y) the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series A Preferred Units, and (ii) 1.0915 (the “ Series  A Unit Cap ”). The General Partner shall make such adjustments to the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series A Preferred Units and the Series A Unit Cap as it determines to be equitable in view of any splits, combinations or distributions in the form of equity issuances or the payment of any Series A Alternative Conversion Consideration to the holders of the Common Units in connection with the Change of Control.

(d) In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which Common Units will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets (including any combination thereof) (“ Series  A Alternative Conversion Consideration ”), each Series A Holder electing to exercise its Series A Change of Control Conversion Right will receive upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Units elected by such holder the kind and amount of such Series A Alternative Conversion Consideration on a per Series A Preferred Unit basis that such Series A Holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such Series A Holder held a number of Common Units equal to the Series A Common Unit Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control;  provided ,  that , if the holders of Common Units have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be

 

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received in such Change of Control, the consideration that the Series A Holders electing to exercise their Series A Change of Control Conversion Right will receive will be the form and proportion of the aggregate consideration elected by the holders of Common Units who participate in the determination (based on the weighted average of elections) and will be subject to any limitations to which all holders of Common Units are subject, including, without limitation, pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in the Change of Control. No fractional Common Units will be issued upon the conversion of the Series A Preferred Units. Instead, the Partnership shall pay the cash value of such fractional Common Units.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if prior to the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  16.5(a)(iii) , the Partnership provides notice of its election to redeem Series A Preferred Units pursuant to Section  16.5 , Series A Holders shall not have any right to convert the Series A Preferred Units that the Partnership has elected to redeem, and any Series A Preferred Units subsequently selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion shall be redeemed on the Series A Redemption Date instead of converted on the Series A Change of Control Conversion Date.

(f) The Partnership shall issue a press release for publication through a news or press organization as is reasonably expected to broadly disseminate the relevant information to the public, or post notice on the website of the Partnership, in any event prior to the opening of business on the first Business Day following any date on which the Partnership (or a third party with its prior written consent) provides the notice described in Section  16.11(b)  to the Series A Holders.

(g) Each Series A Holder electing to exercise its Series A Change of Control Conversion Right will be required prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Series A Change of Control Conversion Date, to notify the Partnership of the number of Series A Preferred Units to be converted pursuant to the Series A Change of Control Conversion Right and otherwise to comply with any applicable procedures contained in the notice described in Section  16.11(b) or otherwise required by the Depositary for effecting the conversion.

(h) Upon conversion, the rights of such participating Series A Holder as a holder of the Series A Preferred Units shall cease with respect to such converted Series A Preferred Units, and such Person shall continue to be a Partner and have the rights of a holder of Common Units under this Agreement. Each Series A Preferred Unit shall, upon its Series A Change of Control Conversion Date, be deemed to be transferred to, and cancelled by, the Partnership in exchange for the issuance of the Series A Conversion Common Units.

(i) The Partnership shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes or duties relating to the issuance or delivery of Series A Conversion Common Units. However, the participating Series A Holder shall pay any tax or duty that may be payable relating to any transfer involving the issuance or delivery of Series A Conversion Common Units in a name other than such Series A Holder’s name. The Transfer Agent may refuse to reflect the notation of book entry (or the issuance of a Certificate) for Common Units being issued in a name other than the Series A Holder’s name until the Transfer Agent receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax or duties that will be due because the Common Units are to be issued in a name other than the Series A Holder’s name. Nothing herein shall preclude any tax withholding required by law or regulation.

 

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(j) The Partnership shall comply with all applicable securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of any Series A Conversion Common Units and, if the Common Units are then listed or quoted on a National Securities Exchange or other market, shall list or cause to have quoted and keep listed and quoted the Series A Conversion Common Units to the extent permitted or required by the rules of such exchange or market.

(k) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing herein shall give to any Series A Holder any rights as a creditor in respect of its right to conversion of Series A Preferred Units.

ARTICLE XVII

SERIES B FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PERPETUAL

PREFERRED UNITS

SECTION 17.1 Designations.

A series of Preferred Units designated as “7.625% Series B Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units” is hereby designated and created, and the preferences, rights, powers and duties of the holders of the Series B Preferred Units are set forth herein, including this Article  XVII . Each Series B Preferred Unit shall be identical in all respects to every other Series B Preferred Unit, except as to the respective dates from which the Series B Liquidation Preference shall increase or from which Series B Distributions may begin accruing, to the extent such dates may differ. The Series B Preferred Units represent perpetual equity interests in the Partnership and, except as set forth in Sections 17.5 and 17.11 , shall not give rise to a claim by the Partnership or a Series B Holder for redemption or the conversion thereof, as applicable, at a particular date.

SECTION 17.2 Series  B Preferred Units.

(a) The authorized number of Series B Preferred Units shall be unlimited. Series B Preferred Units that are purchased or otherwise acquired by the Partnership shall be cancelled.

(b) The Series B Preferred Units shall be represented by one or more global Certificates registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, and no Series B Holder shall be entitled to receive a definitive Certificate evidencing its Series B Preferred Units, unless otherwise required by law or the Depositary gives notice of its intention to resign or is no longer eligible to act as such with respect to the Series B Preferred Units and the Partnership shall have not selected a substitute Depositary within 60 calendar days thereafter. So long as the Depositary shall have been appointed and is serving with respect to the Series B Preferred Units, payments and communications made by the Partnership to Series B Holders shall be made by making payments to, and communicating with, the Depositary.

 

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SECTION 17.3 Distributions.

(a) Distributions on each Series B Preferred Unit shall be cumulative and shall accumulate at the applicable Series B Distribution Rate from and including the Series B Original Issue Date (or, for any subsequently issued and newly Outstanding Series B Preferred Units, from and including the Series B Distribution Payment Date immediately preceding the issue date of such Series B Preferred Units) until such time as the Partnership pays the Series B Distribution or redeems such Series B Preferred Unit in accordance with Section  17.5 or such Series B Preferred Unit is converted in accordance with Section  17.11 , whether or not such Series B Distributions shall have been declared. Series B Holders shall be entitled to receive Series B Distributions from time to time out of any assets of the Partnership legally available for the payment of distributions at the Series B Distribution Rate per Series B Preferred Unit when, as, and if declared by the General Partner. Distributions, to the extent declared by the General Partner to be paid by the Partnership in accordance with this Section  17.3 , shall be paid quarterly on each Series B Distribution Payment Date. Distributions shall accumulate in each Series B Distribution Period from and including the preceding Series B Distribution Payment Date (other than the initial Series B Distribution Period, which shall commence on and include the Series B Original Issue Date), to but excluding the next Series B Distribution Payment Date for such Series B Distribution Period; provided that distributions shall accrue on accumulated but unpaid Series B Distributions at the Series B Distribution Rate. If any Series B Distribution Payment Date otherwise would occur on a date that is not a Business Day, declared Series B Distributions shall be paid on the immediately succeeding Business Day without the accumulation of additional distributions. Series B Distributions shall be payable based on a 360-day year consisting of four 90-day quarters. All Series B Distributions payable by the Partnership pursuant to this Section  17.3 shall be payable without regard to income of the Partnership and shall be treated for federal income tax purposes as guaranteed payments for the use of capital under Section 707(c) of the Code.

(b) Not later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on each Series B Distribution Payment Date, the Partnership shall pay those Series B Distributions, if any, that shall have been declared by the General Partner to Series B Holders on the Record Date for the applicable Series B Distribution. The Record Date (the “ Series  B Distribution Record Date ”) for the payment of any Series B Distributions shall be as of the close of business on the first Business Day of the month of the applicable Series B Distribution Payment Date, except that in the case of payments of Series B Distributions in Arrears, the Series B Distribution Record Date with respect to a Series B Distribution Payment Date shall be such date as may be designated by the General Partner in accordance with this Article  XVII . So long as any Series B Preferred Units are Outstanding, no distribution shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment on any Junior Securities (other than a distribution payable solely in Junior Securities) unless full cumulative Series B Distributions have been or contemporaneously are being paid or set aside for payment on all Outstanding Series B Preferred Units (and distributions on any other Parity Securities) through the most recent respective Series B Distribution Payment Date (and distribution payment date with respect to such Parity Securities, if any). Accumulated Series B Distributions in Arrears for any past Series B Distribution Period may be declared by the General Partner and paid on any date fixed by the General Partner, whether or not a Series B Distribution Payment Date, to Series B Holders on the Record Date for such payment, which may not be less than 10 days before such payment date. Subject to the next succeeding sentence, if all

 

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accumulated Series B Distributions in Arrears on all Outstanding Series B Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities shall not have been declared and paid, or if sufficient funds for the payment thereof shall not have been set aside, payment of accumulated distributions in Arrears on the Series B Preferred Units and any such Parity Securities shall be made in order of their respective distribution payment dates, commencing with the earliest. If less than all distributions payable with respect to all Series B Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities are paid, any partial payment shall be made Pro Rata with respect to the Series B Preferred Units and any such other Parity Securities entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate distribution amounts remaining due in respect of such Series B Preferred Units and such other Parity Securities at such time. Subject to Sections  12.4 and  17.5 , Series B Holders shall not be entitled to any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or Partnership Securities, in excess of full cumulative Series B Distributions. Except insofar as distributions accrue on the amount of any accumulated and unpaid Series B Distributions as described in Section  17.3(a) , no interest or sum of money in lieu of interest shall be payable in respect of any distribution payment which may be in Arrears on the Series B Preferred Units. So long as the Series B Preferred Units are held of record by the Depositary or its nominee, declared Series B Distributions shall be paid to the Depositary in same-day funds on each Series B Distribution Payment Date or other distribution payment date in the case of payments for Series B Distributions in Arrears.

(c) The “ Series  B Three-Month LIBOR ” for each Series B Distribution Period during the Series B Floating Rate Period shall be determined by the Calculation Agent, as of the applicable Series B LIBOR Determination Date, in accordance with the following provisions:

(i) The Series B Three-Month LIBOR shall be the rate (expressed as a percentage per year) for deposits in U.S. dollars for a three-month period commencing on the first day of such Series B Distribution Period that appears on Reuters Page LIBOR01 as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Series B LIBOR Determination Date.

(ii) If the Series B Three-Month LIBOR cannot be determined as described in Section  17.3(c)(i) , the Partnership shall select four major banks in the London interbank market and request that the principal London offices of those four selected banks provide their offered quotations for deposits in U.S. dollars for a period of three months, commencing on the first day of the applicable Series B Distribution Period, to prime banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Series B LIBOR Determination Date for such Series B Distribution Period. Offered quotations must be based on a principal amount equal to an amount that, in the Partnership’s judgment, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in the London interbank market at the time. If two or more quotations are provided, the Series B Three-Month LIBOR for such Series B Distribution Period will be the arithmetic mean of the quotations. If fewer than two quotations are provided, the Series B Three-Month LIBOR for such Series B Distribution Period will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted on the Series B LIBOR Determination Date for such Series B Distribution Period by three major banks in New York City selected by the Partnership, for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks for a three-month period commencing on the first day of such Series B Distribution Period. The rates quoted must be based on an amount that, in the Partnership’s judgment, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in

 

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that market at the time. If fewer than three New York City banks selected by the Partnership are quoting rates in the manner described above, the Series B Three-Month LIBOR for the applicable Series B Distribution Period will be the same as for the immediately preceding Series B Distribution Period or, if the immediately preceding Series B Distribution Period was within the Series B Fixed Rate Period, the same as for the most recent quarter for which the Series B Three-Month LIBOR can be determined;

(iii) All percentages resulting from any of the above calculations will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).

SECTION 17.4 Voting Rights.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Series B Preferred Units shall not have any voting rights except as set forth in Section  13.3(c) , this Section  17.4 or as otherwise required by the Delaware Act.

(b) Without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units, voting as a separate class, the General Partner shall not adopt any amendment to this Agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the powers, preferences, duties or special rights of the Series B Preferred Units; provided, however , that (i) subject to Section  17.4(c) , the issuance of additional Partnership Securities shall not be deemed to constitute such a material adverse effect for purposes of this Section  17.4(b) and (ii) for purposes of this Section  17.4(b) , no amendment of this Agreement in connection with a merger or other transaction in which the Partnership is the surviving entity and the Series B Preferred Units remain Outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged in any respect adverse to the Series B Holders shall be deemed to materially and adversely affect the powers, preferences, duties or special rights of the Series B Preferred Units.

(c) Without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the Partnership shall not (x) create or issue any Parity Securities if the cumulative distributions payable on Series B Preferred Units or any Parity Securities are in Arrears or (y) create or issue any Senior Securities.

(d) For any matter described in this Section  17.4 in which the Series B Holders are entitled to vote as a class (whether separately or together with the holders of any Parity Securities), such Series B Holders shall be entitled to one vote per Series B Preferred Unit. Any Series B Preferred Units held by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or their controlled Affiliates shall not be entitled to vote.

(e) Notwithstanding Sections 17.4(b) and 17.4(c) , no vote of the Series B Holders shall be required if, at or prior to the time when such action is to take effect, provision is made for the redemption of all Series B Preferred Units at the time Outstanding.

 

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SECTION 17.5 Optional Redemption ; Series  B Rating Event

(a) The Partnership shall have the right (i) at any time, and from time to time, on or after June 15, 2022 or (ii) at any time within 120 days after the conclusion of any review or appeal process instituted by the Partnership following the occurrence of a Series B Rating Event or (iii) at any time within 120 days after the first date on which a Change of Control occurs, in each case, to redeem the Series B Preferred Units, which redemption may be in whole or in part (except with respect to a redemption pursuant to clause  (ii) of this Section  17.5(a) which shall be in whole but not in part), using any source of funds legally available for such purpose. Any such redemption shall occur on a date set by the General Partner (the “ Series  B Redemption Date ”). The Partnership shall effect any such redemption by paying cash for each Series B Preferred Unit to be redeemed equal to the Series B Liquidation Preference for such Series B Preferred Unit on such Series B Redemption Date plus an amount equal to all unpaid distributions thereon from the Series B Original Issue Date to, but not including, the Series B Redemption Date (whether or not such distributions shall have been declared) (the “ Series  B Redemption Price ”); provided that in connection with a redemption in accordance with clause  (ii) of this Section  17.5(a) , the Series B Liquidation Preference per Series B Preferred Unit shall be deemed to be equal to $25.50. So long as the Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed are held of record by the nominee of the Depositary, the Series B Redemption Price shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the Depositary on the Series B Redemption Date.

(b) The Partnership shall give notice of any redemption by mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the scheduled Series B Redemption Date to the Series B Holders (as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Business Day next preceding the day on which notice is given) of any Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed as such Series B Holders’ names appear on the books of the Transfer Agent and at the address of such Series B Holders shown therein. Such notice (the “ Series  B Redemption Notice ”) shall state, as applicable: (1) the Series B Redemption Date, (2) the number of Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed and, if less than all Outstanding Series B Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the number (and the identification) of Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed from such Series B Holder, (3) the Series B Redemption Price, (4) the place where any Series B Preferred Units in certificated form are to be redeemed and shall be presented and surrendered for payment of the Series B Redemption Price therefor and (5) that distributions on the Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease to accumulate from and after such Series B Redemption Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Partnership may give the Series B Redemption Notice in advance of a Change of Control if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of giving the Series B Redemption Notice.

(c) If the Partnership elects to redeem less than all of the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units, the number of Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed shall be determined by the General Partner, and such Series B Preferred Units shall be redeemed by such method of selection as the Depositary shall determine, either Pro Rata or by lot, with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional Series B Preferred Units. The aggregate Series B Redemption Price for any such partial redemption of the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units shall be allocated correspondingly among the redeemed Series B Preferred Units. The Series B Preferred Units not redeemed shall remain Outstanding and entitled to all the rights and preferences provided in this Article  XVII .

 

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(d) If the Partnership gives or causes to be given a Series B Redemption Notice, the Partnership shall deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to redeem the Series B Preferred Units as to which such Series B Redemption Notice shall have been given, no later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Series B Redemption Date, and shall give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Series B Redemption Price to the Series B Holders whose Series B Preferred Units are to be redeemed upon surrender or deemed surrender (which shall occur automatically if the Certificate representing such Series B Preferred Units is issued in the name of the Depositary or its nominee) of the Certificates therefor as set forth in the Series B Redemption Notice. If the Series B Redemption Notice shall have been given, from and after the Series B Redemption Date, unless the Partnership defaults in providing funds sufficient for such redemption at the time and place specified for payment pursuant to the Series B Redemption Notice, all Series B Distributions on such Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease to accumulate and all rights of holders of such Series B Preferred Units as Limited Partners with respect to such Series B Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease, except the right to receive the Series B Redemption Price, and such Series B Preferred Units shall not thereafter be transferred on the books of the Transfer Agent or be deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose whatsoever. The Series B Holders shall have no claim to the interest income, if any, earned on such funds deposited with the Paying Agent. Any funds deposited with the Paying Agent hereunder by the Partnership for any reason, including redemption of Series B Preferred Units, that remain unclaimed or unpaid after two years after the applicable Series B Redemption Date or other payment date, as applicable, shall be, to the extent permitted by law, repaid to the Partnership upon its written request, after which repayment the Series B Holders entitled to such redemption or other payment shall have recourse only to the Partnership. Notwithstanding any Series B Redemption Notice, there shall be no redemption of any Series B Preferred Units called for redemption until funds sufficient to pay the full Series B Redemption Price of such Series B Preferred Units shall have been deposited by the Partnership with the Paying Agent.

(e) Any Series B Preferred Units that are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Partnership shall be cancelled. If only a portion of the Series B Preferred Units represented by a Certificate shall have been called for redemption, upon surrender of the Certificate to the Paying Agent (which shall occur automatically if the Certificate representing such Series B Preferred Units is registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee), the Partnership shall issue and the Paying Agent shall deliver to the Series B Holders a new Certificate (or adjust the applicable book-entry account) representing the number of Series B Preferred Units represented by the surrendered Certificate that have not been called for redemption.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article  XVII , in the event that full cumulative distributions on the Series B Preferred Units and any Parity Securities shall not have been paid or declared and set aside for payment, the Partnership shall not be permitted to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, in whole or in part, any Series B Preferred Units or Parity Securities except pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same relative terms to all Series B Holders and holders of any Parity Securities. Subject to Section  4.10 , so long as any Series B Preferred Units are Outstanding, the Partnership shall not be permitted to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any Common Units or any other Junior Securities unless full cumulative distributions on the Series B Preferred Units and any Parity Securities for all prior and the then-ending Series B Distribution Periods shall have been paid or declared and set aside for payment.

 

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SECTION 17.6 Rank.  

The Series B Preferred Units shall each be deemed to rank:

(a) senior to any Junior Securities;

(b) on a parity with any Parity Securities;

(c) junior to any Senior Securities; and

(d) junior to all existing and future indebtedness of the Partnership and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against the Partnership.

The Partnership may issue Junior Securities and, subject to any approvals required pursuant to Section  16.4(c) , Section  17.4(c) , Section  18.4(c) and Section  19.4 , Parity Securities from time to time in one or more classes or series without the consent of the Series B Holders. Pursuant to Section  5.5 , the General Partner has the authority to determine the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any such class or series before the issuance of any Partnership Interests of such class or series.

SECTION 17.7 No Sinking Fund.

The Series B Preferred Units shall not have the benefit of any sinking fund.

SECTION 17.8 Record Holders.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the General Partner, the Partnership, the Transfer Agent and the Paying Agent may deem and treat any Series B Holder as the true, lawful and absolute owner of the applicable Series B Preferred Units for all purposes, and neither the General Partner, the Partnership nor the Transfer Agent or the Paying Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Series B Preferred Units are listed or admitted to trading.

SECTION 17.9 Notices.

All notices or communications in respect of the Series B Preferred Units shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Article  XVII , this Agreement or by applicable law.

SECTION 17.10 Other Rights; Fiduciary Duties.  

The Series B Preferred Units and the Series B Holders shall not have any designations, preferences, rights, powers or duties, other than as set forth in this Agreement or as provided by applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any duty existing at law, in equity or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, neither the General Partner nor any other Indemnitee shall owe any duties or have any liabilities to Series B Holders, other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

 

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SECTION 17.11 Change of Control.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control that occurs after the Series B Original Issue Date, each Series B Holder shall have the right (“ Series  B  Change of Control Conversion Right ”) to convert some or all of the Series B Preferred Units held by such Series B Holder on the Series B Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of Common Units per Series B Preferred Unit that is an amount equal to the Series B Conversion Ratio (such number of Common Units, the “ Series  B Common Unit Conversion Consideration ”), unless the Partnership provides notice of its election to redeem Series B Preferred Units prior to the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  17.5(a)(iii) . The “ Series  B Change of Control Conversion Date ” shall be the date fixed by the General Partner, in its sole discretion, as the date the Series B Preferred Units are entitled to be converted to Series B Conversion Common Units as provided in this Section  17.11 . Such Series B Change of Control Conversion Date shall be a Business Day that is no fewer than 20 days nor more than 35 days from the date on which the Partnership provides the notice to Series B Holders of the Series B Change of Control Conversion Right under Section  17.11(b) .

(b) No later than five days following the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  17.5(a)(iii) or, if earlier waived, the date of the Partnership’s waiver of such right, the Partnership will provide written notice to the Series B Holders that describes the Series B Change of Control Conversion Right and states: (i) the events constituting the Change of Control; (ii) the date of the Change of Control; (iii) the date on which the Partnership’s right to redeem the Outstanding Series B Preferred Units pursuant to Section  17.5(a)(iii) , expired or was waived; (iv) the Series B Change of Control Conversion Date; (v) the last date on which the Series B Holders may exercise their Series B Change of Control Conversion Right; (vi) the method and period for calculating the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series B Preferred Units; (vii) if applicable, the type and amount of Series B Alternative Conversion Consideration entitled to be received per Series B Preferred Unit; (viii) the name and address of the Paying Agent; and (ix) the procedures that the Series B Holders must follow to exercise the Series B Change of Control Conversion Right.

(c) Subject to Section  5.8 , the “ Series  B Conversion Ratio ” shall be calculated as the lesser of: (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the Series B Liquidation Preference as of the Series B Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Series B Change of Control Conversion Date is after a Series B Distribution Record Date and prior to the corresponding Series B Distribution Payment Date, in which case any accumulated and unpaid distribution will be excluded from this amount) by (y) the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series B Preferred Units, and (ii) 1.04297 (the “ Series  B Unit Cap ”). The General Partner shall make such adjustments to the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series B Preferred Units and the Series B Unit Cap as it determines to be equitable in view of any splits, combinations or distributions in the form of equity issuances or the payment of any Series B Alternative Conversion Consideration to the holders of the Common Units in connection with the Change of Control.

 

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(d) In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which Common Units will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets (including any combination thereof) (“ Series  B Alternative Conversion Consideration ”), each Series B Holder electing to exercise its Series B Change of Control Conversion Right will receive upon conversion of the Series B Preferred Units elected by such holder the kind and amount of such Series B Alternative Conversion Consideration on a per Series B Preferred Unit basis that such Series B Holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such Series B Holder held a number of Common Units equal to the Series B Common Unit Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control;  provided ,  that , if the holders of Common Units have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in such Change of Control, the consideration that the Series B Holders electing to exercise their Series B Change of Control Conversion Right will receive will be the form and proportion of the aggregate consideration elected by the holders of Common Units who participate in the determination (based on the weighted average of elections) and will be subject to any limitations to which all holders of Common Units are subject, including, without limitation, pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in the Change of Control. No fractional Common Units will be issued upon the conversion of the Series B Preferred Units. Instead, the Partnership shall pay the cash value of such fractional Common Units.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if prior to the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  17.5(a)(iii) , the Partnership provides notice of its election to redeem Series B Preferred Units pursuant to Section  17.5 , Series B Holders shall not have any right to convert the Series B Preferred Units that the Partnership has elected to redeem, and any Series B Preferred Units subsequently selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion shall be redeemed on the Series B Redemption Date instead of converted on the Series B Change of Control Conversion Date.

(f) The Partnership shall issue a press release for publication through a news or press organization as is reasonably expected to broadly disseminate the relevant information to the public, or post notice on the website of the Partnership, in any event prior to the opening of business on the first Business Day following any date on which the Partnership (or a third party with its prior written consent) provides the notice described in Section  17.11(b) to the Series B Holders.

(g) Each Series B Holder electing to exercise its Series B Change of Control Conversion Right will be required prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Series B Change of Control Conversion Date, to notify the Partnership of the number of Series B Preferred Units to be converted pursuant to the Series B Change of Control Conversion Right and otherwise to comply with any applicable procedures contained in the notice described in Section  17.11(b) or otherwise required by the Depositary for effecting the conversion.

(h) Upon conversion, the rights of such participating Series B Holder as a holder of the Series B Preferred Units shall cease with respect to such converted Series B Preferred Units, and such Person shall continue to be a Partner and have the rights of a holder of Common Units under this Agreement. Each Series B Preferred Unit shall, upon its Series B Change of Control Conversion Date, be deemed to be transferred to, and cancelled by, the Partnership in exchange for the issuance of the Series B Conversion Common Units.

 

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(i) The Partnership shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes or duties relating to the issuance or delivery of Series B Conversion Common Units. However, the participating Series B Holder shall pay any tax or duty that may be payable relating to any transfer involving the issuance or delivery of Series B Conversion Common Units in a name other than such Series B Holder’s name. The Transfer Agent may refuse to reflect the notation of book entry (or the issuance of a Certificate) for Common Units being issued in a name other than the Series B Holder’s name until the Transfer Agent receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax or duties that will be due because the Common Units are to be issued in a name other than the Series B Holder’s name. Nothing herein shall preclude any tax withholding required by law or regulation.

(j) The Partnership shall comply with all applicable securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of any Series B Conversion Common Units and, if the Common Units are then listed or quoted on a National Securities Exchange or other market, shall list or cause to have quoted and keep listed and quoted the Series B Conversion Common Units to the extent permitted or required by the rules of such exchange or market.

(k) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing herein shall give to any Series B Holder any rights as a creditor in respect of its right to conversion of Series B Preferred Units.

ARTICLE XVIII

SERIES C FIXED-TO-FLOATING RATE CUMULATIVE REDEEMABLE PERPETUAL

PREFERRED UNITS

SECTION 18.1 Designations.

A series of Preferred Units designated as “9.00% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units” is hereby designated and created, and the preferences, rights, powers and duties of the holders of the Series C Preferred Units are set forth herein, including this Article  XVIII . Each Series C Preferred Unit shall be identical in all respects to every other Series C Preferred Unit, except as to the respective dates from which the Series C Liquidation Preference shall increase or from which Series C Distributions may begin accruing, to the extent such dates may differ. The Series C Preferred Units represent perpetual equity interests in the Partnership and, except as set forth in Sections 18.5 and 18.11 , shall not give rise to a claim by the Partnership or a Series C Holder for redemption or the conversion thereof, as applicable, at a particular date.

SECTION 18.2 Series  C Preferred Units.

(a) The authorized number of Series C Preferred Units shall be unlimited. Series C Preferred Units that are purchased or otherwise acquired by the Partnership shall be cancelled.

 

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(b) The Series C Preferred Units shall be represented by one or more global Certificates registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee, and no Series C Holder shall be entitled to receive a definitive Certificate evidencing its Series C Preferred Units, unless otherwise required by law or the Depositary gives notice of its intention to resign or is no longer eligible to act as such with respect to the Series C Preferred Units and the Partnership shall have not selected a substitute Depositary within 60 calendar days thereafter. So long as the Depositary shall have been appointed and is serving with respect to the Series C Preferred Units, payments and communications made by the Partnership to Series C Holders shall be made by making payments to, and communicating with, the Depositary.

SECTION 18.3 Distributions.

(a) Distributions on each Series C Preferred Unit shall be cumulative and shall accumulate at the applicable Series C Distribution Rate from and including the Series C Original Issue Date (or, for any subsequently issued and newly Outstanding Series C Preferred Units, from and including the Series C Distribution Payment Date immediately preceding the issue date of such Series C Preferred Units) until such time as the Partnership pays the Series C Distribution or redeems such Series C Preferred Unit in accordance with Section  18.5 or such Series C Preferred Unit is converted in accordance with Section  18.11 , whether or not such Series C Distributions shall have been declared. Series C Holders shall be entitled to receive Series C Distributions from time to time out of any assets of the Partnership legally available for the payment of distributions at the Series C Distribution Rate per Series C Preferred Unit when, as, and if declared by the General Partner. Distributions, to the extent declared by the General Partner to be paid by the Partnership in accordance with this  Section  18.3 , shall be paid quarterly on each Series C Distribution Payment Date. Distributions shall accumulate in each Series C Distribution Period from and including the preceding Series C Distribution Payment Date (other than the initial Series C Distribution Period, which shall commence on and include the Series C Original Issue Date), to but excluding the next Series C Distribution Payment Date for such Series C Distribution Period; provided that distributions shall accrue on accumulated but unpaid Series C Distributions at the Series C Distribution Rate. If any Series C Distribution Payment Date otherwise would occur on a date that is not a Business Day, declared Series C Distributions shall be paid on the immediately succeeding Business Day without the accumulation of additional distributions. Series C Distributions shall be payable based on a 360-day year consisting of four 90-day quarters. All Series C Distributions payable by the Partnership pursuant to this Section  18.3 shall be payable without regard to income of the Partnership and shall be treated for federal income tax purposes as guaranteed payments for the use of capital under Section 707(c) of the Code.

(b) Not later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on each Series C Distribution Payment Date, the Partnership shall pay those Series C Distributions, if any, that shall have been declared by the General Partner to Series C Holders on the Record Date for the applicable Series C Distribution. The Record Date (the “ Series  C Distribution Record Date ”) for the payment of any Series C Distributions shall be as of the close of business on the first Business Day of the month of the applicable Series C Distribution Payment Date, except that in the case of payments of Series C Distributions in Arrears, the Series C Distribution Record Date with respect to a Series C Distribution Payment Date shall be such date as may be designated by the General Partner in accordance with this Article  XVIII . So long as any Series C Preferred

 

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Units are Outstanding, no distribution shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment on any Junior Securities (other than a distribution payable solely in Junior Securities) unless full cumulative Series C Distributions have been or contemporaneously are being paid or set aside for payment on all Outstanding Series C Preferred Units (and distributions on any other Parity Securities) through the most recent respective Series C Distribution Payment Date (and distribution payment date with respect to such Parity Securities, if any). Accumulated Series C Distributions in Arrears for any past Series C Distribution Period may be declared by the General Partner and paid on any date fixed by the General Partner, whether or not a Series C Distribution Payment Date, to Series C Holders on the Record Date for such payment, which may not be less than 10 days before such payment date. Subject to the next succeeding sentence, if all accumulated Series C Distributions in Arrears on all Outstanding Series C Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities shall not have been declared and paid, or if sufficient funds for the payment thereof shall not have been set aside, payment of accumulated distributions in Arrears on the Series C Preferred Units and any such Parity Securities shall be made in order of their respective distribution payment dates, commencing with the earliest. If less than all distributions payable with respect to all Series C Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities are paid, any partial payment shall be made Pro Rata with respect to the Series C Preferred Units and any such other Parity Securities entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate distribution amounts remaining due in respect of such Series C Preferred Units and such other Parity Securities at such time. Subject to Sections  12.4  and  18.5 , Series C Holders shall not be entitled to any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or Partnership Securities, in excess of full cumulative Series C Distributions. Except insofar as distributions accrue on the amount of any accumulated and unpaid Series C Distributions as described in Section  18.3(a) , no interest or sum of money in lieu of interest shall be payable in respect of any distribution payment which may be in Arrears on the Series C Preferred Units. So long as the Series C Preferred Units are held of record by the Depositary or its nominee, declared Series C Distributions shall be paid to the Depositary in same-day funds on each Series C Distribution Payment Date or other distribution payment date in the case of payments for Series C Distributions in Arrears.

(c) The “ Series  C Three-Month LIBOR ” for each Series C Distribution Period during the Series C Floating Rate Period shall be determined by the Calculation Agent, as of the applicable Series C LIBOR Determination Date, in accordance with the following provisions:

(i) The Series C Three-Month LIBOR shall be the rate (expressed as a percentage per year) for deposits in U.S. dollars for a three-month period commencing on the first day of such Series C Distribution Period that appears on Reuters Page LIBOR01 as of 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Series C LIBOR Determination Date.

(ii) If the Series C Three-Month LIBOR cannot be determined as described in Section  18.3(c)(i) , the Partnership shall select four major banks in the London interbank market and request that the principal London offices of those four selected banks provide their offered quotations for deposits in U.S. dollars for a period of three months, commencing on the first day of the applicable Series C Distribution Period, to prime banks in the London interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the Series C LIBOR Determination Date for such Series C Distribution Period. Offered quotations must be based on a principal amount equal to an amount that, in the

 

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Partnership’s judgment, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in the London interbank market at the time. If two or more quotations are provided, the Series C Three-Month LIBOR for such Series C Distribution Period will be the arithmetic mean of the quotations. If fewer than two quotations are provided, the Series C Three-Month LIBOR for such Series C Distribution Period will be the arithmetic mean of the rates quoted on the Series C LIBOR Determination Date for such Series C Distribution Period by three major banks in New York City selected by the Partnership, for loans in U.S. dollars to leading European banks for a three-month period commencing on the first day of such Series C Distribution Period. The rates quoted must be based on an amount that, in the Partnership’s judgment, is representative of a single transaction in U.S. dollars in that market at the time. If fewer than three New York City banks selected by the Partnership are quoting rates in the manner described above, the Series C Three-Month LIBOR for the applicable Series C Distribution Period will be the same as for the immediately preceding Series C Distribution Period or, if the immediately preceding Series C Distribution Period was within the Series C Fixed Rate Period, the same as for the most recent quarter for which the Series C Three-Month LIBOR can be determined. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Calculation Agent determines on the applicable Series C LIBOR Determination Date that the Series C Three-Month LIBOR has been discontinued, then the Calculation Agent will use a substitute or successor base rate that it has determined in its sole discretion is most comparable to the Series C Three-Month LIBOR, provided that if the Calculation Agent determines there is an industry-accepted substitute or successor base rate, then the Calculation Agent shall use such substitute or successor base rate; and if the Calculation Agent has determined a substitute or successor base rate in accordance with the foregoing, the Calculation Agent in its sole discretion may determine what business day convention to use, the definition of business day, the distribution determination date to be used and any other relevant methodology for calculating such substitute or successor base rate, including any adjustment factor needed to make such substitute or successor base rate comparable to the Series C Three-Month LIBOR, in a manner that is consistent with industry-accepted practices for such substitute or successor base rate.

(iii) All percentages resulting from any of the above calculations will be rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculations will be rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upwards).

SECTION 18.4 Voting Rights.

(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Series C Preferred Units shall not have any voting rights except as set forth in Section  13.3(c) , this Section  18.4 or as otherwise required by the Delaware Act.

(b) Without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units, voting as a separate class, the General Partner shall not adopt any amendment to this Agreement that would have a material adverse effect on the powers, preferences, duties or special rights of the Series C Preferred Units; provided, however ,

 

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that (i) subject to Section  18.4(c) , the issuance of additional Partnership Securities shall not be deemed to constitute such a material adverse effect for purposes of this Section  18.4(b) and (ii) for purposes of this Section  18.4(b) , no amendment of this Agreement in connection with a merger or other transaction in which the Partnership is the surviving entity and the Series C Preferred Units remain Outstanding with the terms thereof materially unchanged in any respect adverse to the Series C Holders shall be deemed to materially and adversely affect the powers, preferences, duties or special rights of the Series C Preferred Units.

(c) Without the affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units voting as a class together with holders of any other Parity Securities upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable, the Partnership shall not (x) create or issue any Parity Securities if the cumulative distributions payable on Series C Preferred Units or any Parity Securities are in Arrears or (y) create or issue any Senior Securities.

(d) For any matter described in this Section  18.4 in which the Series C Holders are entitled to vote as a class (whether separately or together with the holders of any Parity Securities), such Series C Holders shall be entitled to one vote per Series C Preferred Unit. Any Series C Preferred Units held by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or their controlled Affiliates shall not be entitled to vote.

(e) Notwithstanding Sections 18.4(b) and 18.4(c) , no vote of the Series C Holders shall be required if, at or prior to the time when such action is to take effect, provision is made for the redemption of all Series C Preferred Units at the time Outstanding.

SECTION 18.5 Optional Redemption ; Series  C Rating Event

(a) The Partnership shall have the right (i) at any time, and from time to time, on or after December 15, 2022 or (ii) at any time within 120 days after the conclusion of any review or appeal process instituted by the Partnership following the occurrence of a Series C Rating Event or (iii) at any time within 120 days after the first date on which a Change of Control occurs, in each case, to redeem the Series C Preferred Units, which redemption may be in whole or in part (except with respect to a redemption pursuant to clause (ii)  of this Section  18.5(a) which shall be in whole but not in part), using any source of funds legally available for such purpose. Any such redemption shall occur on a date set by the General Partner (the “ Series  C Redemption Date ”). The Partnership shall effect any such redemption by paying cash for each Series C Preferred Unit to be redeemed equal to the Series C Liquidation Preference for such Series C Preferred Unit on such Series C Redemption Date plus an amount equal to all unpaid distributions thereon from the Series C Original Issue Date to, but not including, the Series C Redemption Date (whether or not such distributions shall have been declared) (the “ Series  C Redemption Price ”); provided that in connection with a redemption in accordance with clause  (ii) of this Section  18.5(a) , the Series C Liquidation Preference per Series C Preferred Unit shall be deemed to be equal to $25.50. So long as the Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed are held of record by the nominee of the Depositary, the Series C Redemption Price shall be paid by the Paying Agent to the Depositary on the Series C Redemption Date.

 

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(b) The Partnership shall give notice of any redemption by mail, postage prepaid, not less than 30 days and not more than 60 days before the scheduled Series C Redemption Date to the Series C Holders (as of 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the Business Day next preceding the day on which notice is given) of any Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed as such Series C Holders’ names appear on the books of the Transfer Agent and at the address of such Series C Holders shown therein. Such notice (the “ Series  C Redemption Notice ”) shall state, as applicable: (1) the Series C Redemption Date, (2) the number of Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed and, if less than all Outstanding Series C Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the number (and the identification) of Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed from such Series C Holder, (3) the Series C Redemption Price, (4) the place where any Series C Preferred Units in certificated form are to be redeemed and shall be presented and surrendered for payment of the Series C Redemption Price therefor and (5) that distributions on the Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease to accumulate from and after such Series C Redemption Date. For the avoidance of doubt, the Partnership may give the Series C Redemption Notice in advance of a Change of Control if a definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at the time of giving the Series C Redemption Notice.

(c) If the Partnership elects to redeem less than all of the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units, the number of Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed shall be determined by the General Partner, and such Series C Preferred Units shall be redeemed by such method of selection as the Depositary shall determine, either Pro Rata or by lot, with adjustments to avoid redemption of fractional Series C Preferred Units. The aggregate Series C Redemption Price for any such partial redemption of the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units shall be allocated correspondingly among the redeemed Series C Preferred Units. The Series C Preferred Units not redeemed shall remain Outstanding and entitled to all the rights and preferences provided in this Article  XVIII .

(d) If the Partnership gives or causes to be given a Series C Redemption Notice, the Partnership shall deposit with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to redeem the Series C Preferred Units as to which such Series C Redemption Notice shall have been given, no later than 10:00 a.m. New York City time on the Series C Redemption Date, and shall give the Paying Agent irrevocable instructions and authority to pay the Series C Redemption Price to the Series C Holders whose Series C Preferred Units are to be redeemed upon surrender or deemed surrender (which shall occur automatically if the Certificate representing such Series C Preferred Units is issued in the name of the Depositary or its nominee) of the Certificates therefor as set forth in the Series C Redemption Notice. If the Series C Redemption Notice shall have been given, from and after the Series C Redemption Date, unless the Partnership defaults in providing funds sufficient for such redemption at the time and place specified for payment pursuant to the Series C Redemption Notice, all Series C Distributions on such Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease to accumulate and all rights of holders of such Series C Preferred Units as Limited Partners with respect to such Series C Preferred Units to be redeemed shall cease, except the right to receive the Series C Redemption Price, and such Series C Preferred Units shall not thereafter be transferred on the books of the Transfer Agent or be deemed to be Outstanding for any purpose whatsoever. The Series C Holders shall have no claim to the interest income, if any, earned on such funds deposited with the Paying Agent. Any funds deposited with the Paying Agent hereunder by the Partnership for any reason, including redemption of Series C Preferred Units, that remain unclaimed or unpaid after two years after the applicable Series C Redemption

 

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Date or other payment date, as applicable, shall be, to the extent permitted by law, repaid to the Partnership upon its written request, after which repayment the Series C Holders entitled to such redemption or other payment shall have recourse only to the Partnership. Notwithstanding any Series C Redemption Notice, there shall be no redemption of any Series C Preferred Units called for redemption until funds sufficient to pay the full Series C Redemption Price of such Series C Preferred Units shall have been deposited by the Partnership with the Paying Agent.

(e) Any Series C Preferred Units that are redeemed or otherwise acquired by the Partnership shall be cancelled. If only a portion of the Series C Preferred Units represented by a Certificate shall have been called for redemption, upon surrender of the Certificate to the Paying Agent (which shall occur automatically if the Certificate representing such Series C Preferred Units is registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee), the Partnership shall issue and the Paying Agent shall deliver to the Series C Holders a new Certificate (or adjust the applicable book-entry account) representing the number of Series C Preferred Units represented by the surrendered Certificate that have not been called for redemption.

(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article  XVIII , in the event that full cumulative distributions on the Series C Preferred Units and any Parity Securities shall not have been paid or declared and set aside for payment, the Partnership shall not be permitted to repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire, in whole or in part, any Series C Preferred Units or Parity Securities except pursuant to a purchase or exchange offer made on the same relative terms to all Series C Holders and holders of any Parity Securities. Subject to Section  4.10 , so long as any Series C Preferred Units are Outstanding, the Partnership shall not be permitted to redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any Common Units or any other Junior Securities unless full cumulative distributions on the Series C Preferred Units and any Parity Securities for all prior and the then-ending Series C Distribution Periods shall have been paid or declared and set aside for payment.

SECTION 18.6 Rank.  

The Series C Preferred Units shall each be deemed to rank:

(a) senior to any Junior Securities;

(b) on a parity with any Parity Securities;

(c) junior to any Senior Securities; and

(d) junior to all existing and future indebtedness of the Partnership and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against the Partnership.

The Partnership may issue Junior Securities and, subject to any approvals required pursuant to Section  16.4(c) , Section  17.4(c) , Section  18.4(c) and Section  19.4 , Parity Securities from time to time in one or more classes or series without the consent of the Series C Holders. Pursuant to Section  5.5 , the General Partner has the authority to determine the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any such class or series before the issuance of any Partnership Interests of such class or series.

 

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SECTION 18.7 No Sinking Fund.  

The Series C Preferred Units shall not have the benefit of any sinking fund.

SECTION 18.8 Record Holders.  

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the General Partner, the Partnership, the Transfer Agent and the Paying Agent may deem and treat any Series C Holder as the true, lawful and absolute owner of the applicable Series C Preferred Units for all purposes, and neither the General Partner, the Partnership nor the Transfer Agent or the Paying Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Series C Preferred Units are listed or admitted to trading.

SECTION 18.9 Notices.  

All notices or communications in respect of the Series C Preferred Units shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Article  XVIII , this Agreement or by applicable law.

SECTION 18.10 Other Rights; Fiduciary Duties.  

The Series C Preferred Units and the Series C Holders shall not have any designations, preferences, rights, powers or duties, other than as set forth in this Agreement or as provided by applicable law. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement or any duty existing at law, in equity or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, neither the General Partner nor any other Indemnitee shall owe any duties or have any liabilities to Series C Holders, other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

SECTION 18.11 Change of Control.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control that occurs after the Series C Original Issue Date, each Series C Holder shall have the right (“ Series  C  Change of Control Conversion Right ”) to convert some or all of the Series C Preferred Units held by such Series C Holder on the Series C Change of Control Conversion Date into a number of Common Units per Series C Preferred Unit that is an amount equal to the Series C Conversion Ratio (such number of Common Units, the “ Series  C Common Unit Conversion Consideration ”), unless the Partnership provides notice of its election to redeem Series C Preferred Units prior to the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  18.5(a)(iii) . The “ Series  C Change of Control Conversion Date ” shall be the date fixed by the General Partner, in its sole discretion, as the date the Series C Preferred Units are entitled to be converted to Series C Conversion Common Units as provided in this Section  18.11 . Such Series C Change of Control Conversion Date shall be a Business Day that is no fewer than 20 days nor more than 35 days from the date on which the Partnership provides the notice to Series C Holders of the Series C Change of Control Conversion Right under Section  18.11(b) .

 

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(b) No later than five days following the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  18.5(a)(iii) or, if earlier waived, the date of the Partnership’s waiver of such right, the Partnership will provide written notice to the Series C Holders that describes the Series C Change of Control Conversion Right and states: (i) the events constituting the Change of Control; (ii) the date of the Change of Control; (iii) the date on which the Partnership’s right to redeem the Outstanding Series C Preferred Units pursuant to Section  18.5(a)(iii) expired or was waived; (iv) the Series C Change of Control Conversion Date; (v) the last date on which the Series C Holders may exercise their Series C Change of Control Conversion Right; (vi) the method and period for calculating the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series C Preferred Units; (vii) if applicable, the type and amount of Series C Alternative Conversion Consideration entitled to be received per Series C Preferred Unit; (viii) the name and address of the Paying Agent; and (ix) the procedures that the Series C Holders must follow to exercise the Series C Change of Control Conversion Right.

(c) Subject to Section  5.8 , the “ Series  C Conversion Ratio ” shall be calculated as the lesser of: (i) the quotient obtained by dividing (x) the Series C Liquidation Preference as of the Series C Change of Control Conversion Date (unless the Series C Change of Control Conversion Date is after a Series C Distribution Record Date and prior to the corresponding Series C Distribution Payment Date, in which case any accumulated and unpaid distribution will be excluded from this amount) by (y) the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series C Preferred Units, and (ii) 1.7928 (the “ Series  C Unit Cap ”). The General Partner shall make such adjustments to the Common Unit Price with respect to the Series C Preferred Units and the Series C Unit Cap as it determines to be equitable in view of any splits, combinations or distributions in the form of equity issuances or the payment of any Series C Alternative Conversion Consideration to the holders of the Common Units in connection with the Change of Control.

(d) In the case of a Change of Control pursuant to which Common Units will be converted into cash, securities or other property or assets (including any combination thereof) (“ Series  C Alternative Conversion Consideration ”), each Series C Holder electing to exercise its Series C Change of Control Conversion Right will receive upon conversion of the Series C Preferred Units elected by such holder the kind and amount of such Series C Alternative Conversion Consideration on a per Series C Preferred Unit basis that such Series C Holder would have owned or been entitled to receive upon the Change of Control had such Series C Holder held a number of Common Units equal to the Series C Common Unit Conversion Consideration immediately prior to the effective time of the Change of Control;  provided ,  that , if the holders of Common Units have the opportunity to elect the form of consideration to be received in such Change of Control, the consideration that the Series C Holders electing to exercise their Series C Change of Control Conversion Right will receive will be the form and proportion of the aggregate consideration elected by the holders of Common Units who participate in the determination (based on the weighted average of elections) and will be subject to any limitations to which all holders of Common Units are subject, including, without limitation, pro rata reductions applicable to any portion of the consideration payable in the Change of Control. No fractional Common Units will be issued upon the conversion of the Series C Preferred Units. Instead, the Partnership shall pay the cash value of such fractional Common Units.

 

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(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if prior to the expiration of the Partnership’s redemption right contained in Section  18.5(a)(iii) , the Partnership provides notice of its election to redeem Series C Preferred Units pursuant to Section  18.5 , Series C Holders shall not have any right to convert the Series C Preferred Units that the Partnership has elected to redeem, and any Series C Preferred Units subsequently selected for redemption that have been tendered for conversion shall be redeemed on the Series C Redemption Date instead of converted on the Series C Change of Control Conversion Date.

(f) The Partnership shall issue a press release for publication through a news or press organization as is reasonably expected to broadly disseminate the relevant information to the public, or post notice on the website of the Partnership, in any event prior to the opening of business on the first Business Day following any date on which the Partnership (or a third party with its prior written consent) provides the notice described in Section  18.11(b) to the Series C Holders.

(g) Each Series C Holder electing to exercise its Series C Change of Control Conversion Right will be required prior to the close of business on the third Business Day preceding the Series C Change of Control Conversion Date, to notify the Partnership of the number of Series C Preferred Units to be converted pursuant to the Series C Change of Control Conversion Right and otherwise to comply with any applicable procedures contained in the notice described in Section  18.11(b) or otherwise required by the Depositary for effecting the conversion.

(h) Upon conversion, the rights of such participating Series C Holder as a holder of the Series C Preferred Units shall cease with respect to such converted Series C Preferred Units, and such Person shall continue to be a Partner and have the rights of a holder of Common Units under this Agreement. Each Series C Preferred Unit shall, upon its Series C Change of Control Conversion Date, be deemed to be transferred to, and cancelled by, the Partnership in exchange for the issuance of the Series C Conversion Common Units.

(i) The Partnership shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes or duties relating to the issuance or delivery of Series C Conversion Common Units. However, the participating Series C Holder shall pay any tax or duty that may be payable relating to any transfer involving the issuance or delivery of Series C Conversion Common Units in a name other than such Series C Holder’s name. The Transfer Agent may refuse to reflect the notation of book entry (or the issuance of a Certificate) for Common Units being issued in a name other than the Series C Holder’s name until the Transfer Agent receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax or duties that will be due because the Common Units are to be issued in a name other than the Series C Holder’s name. Nothing herein shall preclude any tax withholding required by law or regulation.

(j) The Partnership shall comply with all applicable securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of any Series C Conversion Common Units and, if the Common Units are then listed or quoted on a National Securities Exchange or other market, shall list or cause to have quoted and keep listed and quoted the Series C Conversion Common Units to the extent permitted or required by the rules of such exchange or market.

 

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(k) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing herein shall give to any Series C Holder any rights as a creditor in respect of its right to conversion of Series C Preferred Units.

ARTICLE XIX

SERIES D CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNITS

SECTION 19.1 Designations.

A series of Preferred Units designated as “Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units” (such Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units, together with any Series D PIK Units and Series D Second Closing Units, the “ Series D Preferred Units ”), is hereby designated and created, and the preferences, rights, powers and duties of the holders of the Series D Preferred Units are set forth herein, including this Article  XIX . Each Series D Preferred Unit shall be identical in all respects to every other Series D Preferred Unit, except as to the respective dates from which Series D Distributions may begin accruing.

SECTION 19.2 Series D Preferred Units.

(a) The authorized number of Series D Preferred Units shall be unlimited. Series D Preferred Units that are purchased or otherwise acquired by the Partnership shall be cancelled.

(b) If requested by a Series D Preferred Unitholder, the Series D Preferred Units shall be evidenced by Certificates in such form as the General Partner may approve and, subject to the satisfaction of any applicable legal, regulatory and contractual requirements (including Section  19.9 ), may be assigned or transferred in a manner identical to the assignment and transfer of other Units. The Certificates evidencing Series D Preferred Units shall be separately identified and shall not bear the same CUSIP number as the Certificates evidencing Common Units, Series A Preferred Units, Series B Preferred Units or Series C Preferred Units.

SECTION 19.3 Distributions.

(a) Series D Preferred Unitholders shall be entitled to receive distributions on each Series D Distribution Payment Date in an amount equal to the applicable Series D Distribution Amount (each such distribution, a “ Series D Distribution ”), which Series D Distributions shall be payable out of any assets of the Partnership legally available for the payment of distributions when, as, and if declared by the General Partner. Series D Distributions shall be cumulative from and including the Series D Initial Closing Date (or, for any Series D Preferred Units issued subsequent to the initial Series D Distribution Payment Date, from and including the Series D Distribution Payment Date immediately preceding the issue date of such Series D Preferred Units) until such time as the Partnership pays the applicable Series D Distribution or the applicable Series D Preferred Units are redeemed or converted in accordance with this Article  XIX , whether or not such Series D Distributions shall have been declared. Subject to Section  19.3(c)(iii) , with respect to the four Series D Distribution Periods beginning with the Series D Distribution Period in respect of which the Series D Initial Distribution is paid (the “ Series D Initial PIK Date ”), in the sole discretion of the General Partner, up to 50% of the

 

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Series D Distribution Amount may be paid in Series D PIK Units, with the remainder of the Series D Distribution Amount to be paid in cash. Subject to Section  19.3(c)(iii) , for any Series D Distribution Period ending after the Series D Initial PIK Date, (i) if the Series D Distribution Amount at such time is greater than $0.635 per Series D Preferred Unit, then the portion of such Series D Distribution Amount in excess of $0.635 may be paid, in the sole discretion of the General Partner, in Series D PIK Units, and the remainder of the Series D Distribution Amount shall be paid in cash and (ii) if the Series D Distribution Amount at such time is less than or equal to $0.635 per Series D Preferred Unit, then all of the Series D Distribution Amount shall be paid in cash. If the General Partner elects to pay all or any portion of the Series D Distribution Amount in Series D PIK Units (any amount of such Series D Distribution Amount so paid in Series D PIK Units, the “ Series D PIK Distribution Amount ”), the number of Series D PIK Units to be issued in connection with such Series D Distribution shall equal the quotient of (A) the Series D PIK Distribution Amount divided by (B) the Series D Unit Purchase Price; provided that instead of issuing any fractional Series D PIK Unit, the Partnership shall round the number of Series D PIK Units issued to each Series D Preferred Unitholder down to the nearest whole Series D PIK Unit and pay cash in lieu of any resulting fractional unit (with the amount of such cash payment being based on the value of such fractional Series D PIK Unit, which shall be the product of the Closing Price of the Common Units on the Record Date for such Series D Distribution multiplied by the number of Series D Conversion Common Units into which such fractional Series D PIK Units would be convertible at the applicable Series D Conversion Ratio on such Record Date (without regard to whether any Series D Preferred Units are then convertible)). Unless otherwise expressly provided, references in this Agreement to Series D Preferred Units shall include all Outstanding Series D PIK Units as of any date of such determination. If any Series D Distribution Payment Date otherwise would occur on a date that is not a Business Day, declared Series D Distributions shall be paid on the immediately succeeding Business Day without the accumulation of additional distributions. All Series D Distributions payable by the Partnership pursuant to this Section  19.3 shall be payable without regard to income of the Partnership and shall be treated for federal income tax purposes as guaranteed payments for the use of capital under Section 707(c) of the Code.

(b) Not later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on each Series D Distribution Payment Date, the Partnership shall pay those Series D Distributions, if any, that shall have been declared by the General Partner to Series D Preferred Unitholders on the Record Date for the applicable Series D Distribution. With respect to any Series D Distribution that is paid, in any part, in Series D PIK Units, promptly upon the request of any Series D Preferred Unitholder on the Record Date for such Series D Distribution, the Partnership shall deliver to such Series D Preferred Unitholder evidence of issuance of such Series D PIK Units credited to book-entry accounts maintained by the Transfer Agent. The Record Date (the “ Series  D Distribution Record Date ”) for the payment of any Series D Distributions shall be as of the close of business on the first Business Day of the month of the applicable Series D Distribution Payment Date, subject to Section  19.3(d) and except in the case of distributions pursuant to Section  19.3(g) or payments of Series D Distributions in Arrears, the Series D Distribution Record Date with respect to a Series D Distribution Payment Date shall be such date as may be designated by the General Partner in accordance with this Article  XIX . So long as any Series D Preferred Units are Outstanding, no distribution shall be declared or paid or set aside for payment on any Junior Securities (other than a distribution payable solely in Junior Securities) unless full cumulative Series D Distributions have been or contemporaneously are being paid or set aside

 

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for payment on all Outstanding Series D Preferred Units (and distributions on any other Parity Securities) through the most recent respective Series D Distribution Payment Date (and distribution payment date with respect to such Parity Securities, if any). Accumulated Series D Distributions in Arrears may be declared by the General Partner and paid on any date fixed by the General Partner, whether or not a Series D Distribution Payment Date, to Series D Preferred Unitholders on the Record Date for such payment, which may not be less than 10 days before such payment date. Subject to the next succeeding sentence, if all accumulated Series D Distributions in Arrears on all Outstanding Series D Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities shall not have been declared and paid, or if sufficient funds for the payment thereof shall not have been set aside, payment of accumulated distributions in Arrears on the Series D Preferred Units and any such Parity Securities shall be made in order of their respective distribution payment dates, commencing with the earliest. If less than all distributions payable with respect to all Series D Preferred Units and any other Parity Securities are paid, any partial payment shall be made Pro Rata with respect to the Series D Preferred Units and any such other Parity Securities entitled to a distribution payment at such time in proportion to the aggregate distribution amounts remaining due in respect of such Series D Preferred Units and such other Parity Securities at such time. Subject to Sections  12.4 , Section  19.7(b)  and 19.8 , Series D Preferred Unitholders shall not be entitled to any distribution, whether payable in cash, property or Partnership Securities, in excess of full cumulative Series D Distributions. Except insofar as distributions accrue on the amount of any accumulated and unpaid Series D Distributions as described in Section  19.3(a) and 19.3(c) , no interest or sum of money in lieu of interest shall be payable in respect of any distribution payment which may be in Arrears on the Series D Preferred Units.

(c) (i) If the Partnership fails to pay in full the Series D Distribution Amount in cash or, to the extent permitted pursuant to Section  19.3(a) , Series D PIK Units, then from and after the first date of such failure and continuing until such failure is cured by payment in full in cash or any Series D PIK Units (to the extent permitted pursuant to Section  19.3(a) ) of all such arrearages, the amount of such unpaid Series D Distribution Amount (a “ Series D Unpaid Distribution ”) shall be increased by $0.048 per Series D Preferred Unit and the limitation on distributions on Junior Securities in Section  19.3(b) shall apply.

(ii) If the Partnership fails to pay in full the Series D Distribution Amount for the Series D Preferred Units in cash or, to the extent permitted pursuant to Section  19.3(a) , Series D PIK Units for a period of three consecutive Series D Distribution Periods (a “ Series D Trigger Event ”), then from and after such Series D Trigger Event and continuing until such failure is cured by payment in full of cash on all such arrearages:

(A) Series D Trigger Event Conversion.

(I) the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units will be convertible by each Series D Preferred Unitholder at its option, in whole or in part, not more than once per Quarter, into Common Units at the Series D Conversion Ratio; provided, however , that no fractional Common Units will be issued and any amounts that would otherwise be represented by fractional Common Units will be aggregated for each Series D Converting Unitholder with any

 

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remaining amount for each Series D Converting Unitholder that would otherwise be represented by a single fractional Common Unit, at the option of the Partnership, paid in cash (with the amount of such cash payment being based on the value of such fractional Common Unit based on the Closing Price of the Common Units on the Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice Date) or rounded up and paid in the form an additional whole Common Unit;

(II) To convert Series D Preferred Units into Common Units pursuant to Section  19.3(c)(ii)(A) , the Series D Converting Unitholder shall give written notice (the “ Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice ”) to the Partnership stating that such Series D Converting Unitholder elects to so convert Series D Preferred Units and shall state or include therein the following: (a) the number of Series D Preferred Units to be converted; and (b) if a Certificate has been issued for such Series D Preferred Units, the duly endorsed Certificate(s) evidencing the Series D Preferred Units to be converted. The date any Series D Conversion Notice is received by the Partnership shall be hereinafter referred to as a “ Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice Date ”).

(III) Timing; Issuance .

a. If a Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice is delivered by a Series D Preferred Unitholder to the Partnership in accordance with Section  19.3(c)(ii)(A)(II) , the Partnership shall issue to such Series D Preferred Unitholder a number of Series D Conversion Common Units equal to (x) the number of Series D Preferred Units designated to be converted in such Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice, multiplied by (y) the Series D Conversion Ratio as of such date, no later than five Business Days after the Series D Trigger Event Conversion Notice Date. Upon issuance of Series D Conversion Common Units to the Series D Converting Unitholder, all rights of the Series D Converting Unitholder with respect to the converted Series D Preferred Units shall cease, including, without limitation, any further accrual of distributions, and such Series D Converting Unitholder shall be treated for all purposes as the Record Holder of such Series D Conversion Common Units. The Series D Conversion Common Units shall be issued in the name of the Record Holder of such Series D Preferred Units.

 

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b. The Partnership shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes or duties relating to the issuance or delivery of Series D Conversion Common Units. However, the Series D Converting Unitholder shall pay any tax or duty that may be payable relating to any transfer involving the issuance or delivery of Series D Conversion Common Units in a name other than such Series D Converting Unitholder’s name. The Transfer Agent may refuse to reflect the notation of book entry (or the issuance of a Certificate) for Common Units being issued in a name other than the Series D Converting Unitholder’s name until the Transfer Agent receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax or duties that will be due because the Common Units are to be issued in a name other than the Series D Converting Unitholder’s name. Nothing herein shall preclude any tax withholding required by law or regulation.

c. The Partnership shall comply with all applicable securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of any Series D Conversion Common Units and, if the Common Units are then listed or quoted on a National Securities Exchange or other market, shall list or cause to have quoted and keep listed and quoted the Series D Conversion Common Units to the extent permitted or required by the rules of such exchange or market.

d. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing herein shall give to any Series D Preferred Unitholder any rights as a creditor in respect of its right to conversion of Series D Preferred Units.

(B) NuStar GP Holdings shall appoint one person selected by Series D Preferred Unitholders holding a majority of the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units as an additional member of the Board of Directors (the “ Series D Designated Director ”), provided, however, that the Series D Designated Director must, in the reasonable judgment of the Board of Directors, (i) have the requisite skill and experience to serve as a director of a public company in the energy sector, (ii) not be prohibited from serving as a director pursuant to any rule or regulation of the Commission or any National Securities Exchange on which the Partnership’s Common Units are then listed or admitted to trading, and (iii) not be an employee or director of any Competitor;  provided that if at any time the members of the Board of Directors are classified into groups with respect to their terms, (i) the Series D Designated Director shall be designated to a class consisting of directors whose terms expire at the latest annual meeting of Limited Partners following such director’s appointment and (ii) the Series D Designated Director shall be re-appointed upon the expiration of such director’s term if the Series D Unpaid Distributions remain unpaid at such time; and provided further , that upon payment in full of such Series D Unpaid Distributions (a “ Series D Designation Right Termination Event ”) such Series D Designated Director’s term

 

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in office shall automatically expire, such Series D Designated Director shall automatically be removed from the Board of Directors, and the Series D Preferred Unitholders shall cease to have the right to appoint a Series D Designated Director to the Board of Directors (unless and until another Series D Trigger Event shall have occurred), and

(C) without the consent of holders holding a majority of the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units, the Partnership shall not incur any Indebtedness (as defined in the Credit Facility) or engage in any acquisitions or asset sales (including by merger or otherwise) in excess of $50.0 million, other than the acquisition by the Partnership of NuStar GP Holdings.

Prior to a Series D Designation Right Termination Event, the Series D Designated Director may be removed or replaced by (i) the Series D Preferred Unitholders holding a majority of the then Outstanding Series D Preferred Units at any time for any reason or (ii) written consent of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors for “cause” (as defined below); and any vacancy occurring by reason of the death, disability, resignation, removal or other cessation of a person serving as a Series D Designated Director shall be filled by a vote of the Series D Preferred Unitholders holding a majority of the then Outstanding Series D Preferred Units and the subsequent delivery of written notice to the General Partner. As used in this Section  19.3(c) , “cause” means that the Series D Designated Director: (i) is prohibited from serving as a director under any rule or regulation of the Commission or any National Securities Exchange on which the Partnership’s Common Units are listed; (ii) while serving as the Series D Designated Director, is convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a felony; (iii) is found by a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to a final, non-appealable judgment to be liable for actual fraud or willful misconduct (including, but not limited to, intentionally or willfully failing to observe any obligations of confidentiality to the Partnership); (iv) is determined to have acted intentionally or in bad faith in a manner that results in a material detriment to the assets, business or prospects of the Partnership; or (v) holds any position that (a) is with a Competitor or (b) causes the Partnership to be in violation of any applicable Antitrust Law or similar law. Any action by the Series D Preferred Unitholders to designate, remove or replace a Series D Designated Director shall be evidenced in writing furnished to the General Partner, shall include a statement that the action has been approved by a vote of, and shall be executed by or on behalf of, Series D Unitholders holding a majority of the then Outstanding Series D Preferred Units.

(iii) If the Partnership fails to pay in full the Series D Distribution Amount on the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units for a period of three consecutive Series D Distribution Periods, then the Partnership shall permanently cease to have the option pursuant to Section  19.3(a) to pay a portion of the Series D Distribution Amount in the form of Series D PIK Units.

(d) With respect to any given Series D Distribution Period, a Series D Preferred Unitholder will be entitled to receive the distribution payable on the security held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder on the applicable Record Date for such distribution.

 

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(e) For purposes of maintaining Capital Accounts, if the Partnership issues one or more Series D PIK Units with respect to a Series D Preferred Unit, (i) the Partnership shall be treated as distributing cash with respect to such Series D Preferred Unit equal to the Series D PIK Distribution Amount and (ii) the holder of such Series D Preferred Unit shall be treated as having contributed to the Partnership in exchange for such newly issued Series D PIK Units an amount of cash equal to the Series D PIK Distribution Amount less the amount of any cash distributed by the Partnership in lieu of fractional Series D PIK Units.

(f) NuStar GP Holdings joins this Agreement solely for purposes of this Section  19.3(f) and will cause the limited liability company agreement of NuStar GP to be amended to reflect the director designation right as provided herein promptly upon the occurrence of a Series D Trigger Event. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section  19.3 shall be binding upon any successor or permitted assign of NuStar GP Holdings.

(g) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, each outstanding Series D Preferred Unit will have the right to share in any special distributions by the Partnership of cash (including from Capital Surplus, which shall be deemed a “special distribution” for purposes of this Section  19.3(g) ), Partnership Securities (other than such distribution as would result in an adjustment to the Series D Conversion Ratio in accordance with Section  19.6(d) ) or other property on a Pro Rata basis as if such Series D Preferred Unit had converted immediately prior to the Record Date for such special distribution into the number of Common Unit(s) into which such Series D Preferred Unit would be convertible at the then-applicable Series D Conversion Ratio (regardless of whether the Series D Preferred Units are then convertible); provided , that special distributions shall not include distributions of Available Cash pursuant to Section  6.4(a) or distributions or payments pursuant to Article  XII .

SECTION 19.4 Voting Rights.

(a) Except as provided in Section  19.4(b) below, the Series D Preferred Unitholders shall have voting rights with respect to their Outstanding Series D Preferred Units that are identical to the voting rights of the holders of Common Units and shall vote with the holders of Common Units as a single class, so that Series D Preferred Unitholders will be entitled to one vote for each Common Unit into which the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units held by it are then convertible at the then applicable Series D Conversion Ratio (or, if the Series D Preferred Units are not then convertible, assuming that such Series D Preferred Units are convertible at the then applicable Series D Conversion Ratio) on each matter with respect to which holders of Common Units are entitled to vote. Each reference in this Agreement to a vote of Unitholders or holders with respect to Common Units, including any action or approval requiring a Unit Majority, shall be deemed to be a reference to the holders of Outstanding Common Units and Outstanding Series D Preferred Units on an “as if” converted basis, voting together as a single class during any period in which any Series D Preferred Units are Outstanding. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section  19.4(a) , at any time prior to the fourth anniversary of the Series D Initial Closing Date, EIG, the Series D Purchasers, their respective Affiliates, any transferee that receives Series D Subject Units from EIG, a Series D Purchaser or their respective Affiliates, and any subsequent holder of Series D Preferred Units shall be required to vote all Series D Subject Units it holds in favor of or against any Series D Change of Control requiring the vote of the Unitholders (including, for the avoidance of doubt, holders of Series D Preferred Units voting on an “as if” converted basis) in the same proportion that all other Unitholders vote their Common Units in favor of or against such Series D Change of Control.

 

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(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in addition to all other requirements imposed by Delaware law, and all other voting rights granted under this Agreement, the affirmative vote or consent of Series D Preferred Unitholders holding a majority of the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units, voting as a separate class, shall be required for the following:

(i) any amendment to this Agreement or the Certificate of Limited Partnership that is materially adverse to any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series D Preferred Units; provided that any such amendment made in connection with a Series D Change of Control that would not result in the Series D Preferred Units receiving less than the amount such Series D Preferred Units are entitled to receive pursuant to Section  19.7 shall not be materially adverse to any of the rights, preferences and privileges of the Series D Preferred Units;

(ii) the incurrence by the Partnership of Indebtedness (as defined in the Credit Facility) such that the Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Facility) of the Partnership for such Rolling Period (as defined in the Credit Facility) exceeds 6.00 to 1.00 (the definitions of Indebtedness, Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio and Rolling Period to be automatically adjusted for any changes in the corresponding definitions contained in the Credit Facility that are approved by Lenders (as defined in the Credit Facility) that represent at least $500 million of the Commitments (as defined in the Credit Facility));

(iii) the issuance of additional Parity Securities (or amendment to the provisions of any class of Partnership Securities to make such class of Partnership Securities a class of Parity Securities), other than Series D Second Closing Units and Series D PIK Units;

(iv) the issuance of any Senior Securities (or amendment to the provisions of any class of Partnership Securities to make such class of Partnership Securities a class of Senior Securities);

(v) the issuance by any Subsidiaries of the Partnership of any preferred equity interest;

(vi) the repurchase by the Partnership of any Preferred Units (regardless of whether such Preferred Units are Parity Securities, Junior Securities or Senior Securities) except (a) pursuant to Section  16.11 , 17.11 or 18.11 , (b) pursuant to Article  XIX or (c) as otherwise required by Article  XVI , Article  XVII or Article  XVIII ;

(vii) the payment of any distributions from Capital Surplus other than in accordance with Article  XII ; and

 

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(viii) the liquidation or dissolution, or engagement in or consent to any reorganization in bankruptcy, voluntary petition for bankruptcy, receivership or similar transaction or proceeding of the Partnership or any of its Material Subsidiaries.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section  19.4 , except as contemplated by Section  19.4(a) , in no event shall the consent of the Series D Preferred Unitholders, as a separate class, be required in connection with any Series D Change of Control unless such Series D Change of Control would result in the Series D Preferred Unitholders receiving less than the amount such Series D Preferred Unitholders are entitled to receive pursuant to Section  19.7 . For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not limit the voting rights of any Series D Preferred Unitholder in connection with the vote of holders of Common Units and Series D Preferred Units together as a single class as provided in Section  19.4(a) .

SECTION 19.5 Certificates; Legends.  

Any certificate(s) representing the Series D Preferred Units may be imprinted with a legend and each book entry evidencing a Series D Preferred Unit shall bear a notation in substantially the form of the legend set forth in Exhibit E .

SECTION 19.6 Conversion at the Option of the Series D Preferred Unitholders.

(a) Conversion . On and after the second anniversary of the Series D Initial Closing Date, the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units owned by any Series D Preferred Unitholder shall be convertible, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time upon the request of such Series D Preferred Unitholder, but not more than once per Quarter (inclusive of any conversion by such Series D Preferred Unitholder’s Affiliates, with each Series D Preferred Unitholder and its Affiliates being entitled to a single conversion right per Quarter), into Common Units as provided in Section  19.6(c) ; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be obligated to honor any such conversion request if such conversion request does not pertain to at least $50.0 million based on the Series D Unit Purchase Price (or such lesser amount to the extent such exercise covers all of such Series D Preferred Unitholder’s Series D Preferred Units); provided, further , if the Partnership has exercised the Series D Partnership Redemption as provided in Section  19.8 , the once-per-Quarter limitation shall not apply.

(b) Conversion Notice . To convert Series D Preferred Units into Common Units pursuant to Section  19.6(a) , the Series D Converting Unitholder shall give written notice (a “ Series D Conversion Notice ”) to the Partnership stating that such Series D Converting Unitholder elects to so convert Series D Preferred Units and shall state or include therein the following: (a) the number of Series D Preferred Units to be converted; and (b) if a Certificate has been issued for such Series D Preferred Units, the duly endorsed Certificate(s) evidencing the Series D Preferred Units to be converted. The date any Series D Conversion Notice is received by the Partnership shall be hereinafter referred to as a “ Series D Conversion Notice Date .”

 

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(c) Timing; Issuance .

(i) If a Series D Conversion Notice is delivered by a Series D Preferred Unitholder to the Partnership in accordance with Section  19.6(b) , the Partnership shall issue to such Series D Preferred Unitholder a number of Series D Conversion Common Units equal to (x) the number of Series D Preferred Units designated to be converted in such Series D Conversion Notice, multiplied by (y) the Series D Conversion Ratio as of such date, no later than five Business Days after the Series D Conversion Notice Date (the “ Series D Conversion Date ”). Upon issuance of Series D Conversion Common Units to the Series D Converting Unitholder, all rights of the Series D Converting Unitholder with respect to the converted Series D Preferred Units shall cease, including, without limitation, any further accrual of distributions, and such Series D Converting Unitholder shall be treated for all purposes as the Record Holder of such Series D Conversion Common Units. The Series D Conversion Common Units shall be issued in the name of the Record Holder of such Series D Preferred Units. Fractional Common Units shall not be issued to any person pursuant to this Section  19.6 (any amounts that would otherwise be represented by fractional Common Units will be aggregated for each Record Holder with any remaining amount for such Record Holder that would otherwise be represented by a single fractional Common Unit, at the option of the Partnership, paid in cash (with the amount of such cash payment being based on the value of such fractional Common Unit based on the Closing Price of the Common Units on the Series D Conversion Notice Date) or rounded up and paid in the form of an additional whole Common Unit ).

(ii) The Partnership shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer taxes or duties relating to the issuance or delivery of Series D Conversion Common Units. However, the Series D Converting Unitholder shall pay any tax or duty that may be payable relating to any transfer involving the issuance or delivery of Series D Conversion Common Units in a name other than such Series D Converting Unitholder’s name. The Transfer Agent may refuse to reflect the notation of book entry (or the issuance of a Certificate) for Common Units being issued in a name other than the Series D Converting Unitholder’s name until the Transfer Agent receives a sum sufficient to pay any tax or duties that will be due because the Common Units are to be issued in a name other than the Series D Converting Unitholder’s name. Nothing herein shall preclude any tax withholding required by law or regulation.

(iii) The Partnership shall comply with all applicable securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of any Series D Conversion Common Units and, if the Common Units are then listed or quoted on a National Securities Exchange or other market, shall list or cause to have quoted and keep listed and quoted the Series D Conversion Common Units to the extent permitted or required by the rules of such exchange or market.

(iv) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, nothing herein shall give to any Series D Preferred Unitholder any rights as a creditor in respect of its right to conversion of Series D Preferred Units.

(d) Distributions, Combinations, Subdivisions and Reclassifications by the Partnership . If, after the Series D Initial Closing Date, the Partnership (i) makes a distribution on its Common Units payable in Common Units or another Partnership Interest, (ii) subdivides or splits its Outstanding Common Units into a greater number of Common Units, (iii) combines or

 

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reclassifies its Common Units into a smaller number of Common Units or (iv) issues by reclassification of its Common Units any Partnership Interests (including any reclassification in connection with a merger, consolidation or business combination in which the Partnership is the surviving Person), in each case other than in connection with a Series D Change of Control (which shall be governed by Section  19.7 ), then the Series D Conversion Ratio in effect at the time of the Record Date for such distribution or the effective date of such subdivision, split, combination, or reclassification shall be proportionately adjusted so that the conversion of the Series D Preferred Units after such time shall entitle each Series D Preferred Unitholder to receive the aggregate number of Common Units (or any Partnership Interests into which such Common Units would have been combined, consolidated, merged or reclassified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) above) that such Series D Preferred Unitholder would have been entitled to receive if the Series D Preferred Units had been converted into Common Units immediately prior to such Record Date or effective date, as the case may be, and in the case of a merger, consolidation or business combination in which the Partnership is the surviving Person, the Partnership shall provide effective provisions to ensure that the provisions in this Article  XIX relating to the Series D Preferred Units shall not be abridged or amended and that the Series D Preferred Units shall thereafter retain the same powers, preferences and relative participating, optional and other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereon, that the Series D Preferred Units had immediately prior to such transaction or event. An adjustment made pursuant to this Section  19.6(d) shall become effective immediately after the Record Date in the case of a distribution and shall become effective immediately after the effective date in the case of a subdivision, combination, reclassification (including any reclassification in connection with a merger, consolidation or business combination in which the Partnership is the surviving Person) or split. Such adjustment shall be made successively whenever any event described above shall occur. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Partnership makes any change to the Merger Consideration that would result in a Series D Preferred Unitholder receiving a lesser Percentage Interest of Common Units upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement than the Percentage Interest of Common Units to which such Series D Preferred Unitholder would have been entitled absent such change to the Merger Consideration, in each case assuming that all of the Series D Preferred Units held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder had been converted into Common Units immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, then, upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement in accordance therewith, the Series D Conversion Ratio in effect at the time of such change to the Merger Consideration shall be proportionately adjusted so that such Series D Preferred Unitholder shall be entitled to receive the Percentage Interest of Common Units upon consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement that such Series D Preferred Unitholder would have been entitled to receive absent such change to the Merger Consideration, in each case assuming that all of the Series D Preferred Units held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder had been converted into Common Units immediately prior to the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, whenever the issuance of a Partnership Interest or other event would require an adjustment to the Series D Conversion Ratio under one or more of the provisions of this Agreement, only one adjustment shall be made to the Series D Conversion Ratio in respect of such issuance or event. For the avoidance of doubt, no adjustment shall be made to the Series D Conversion Ratio pursuant to this Section  19.6(d) as a result of, subject to any approval that may be required under

 

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Section  19.4 : (w) cash distributions made to any holders of Partnership Securities, (x) any issuance of Partnership Security for cash (or upon conversion of any convertible Partnership Security or convertible debt), (y) any grant of Partnership Securities or any option, warrant or other right to purchase or receive Partnership Securities or issuance of Partnership Securities upon the exercise or vesting of any such option, warrant or right, or (z) the issuance of Partnership Securities in connection with the acquisition of assets or equity interests by the Partnership or any Subsidiary. Solely for the purposes of this Section  19.6(d) , the term “Merger Agreement” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Series D Purchase Agreement, and the term “Merger Consideration” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in the Merger Agreement (as defined in the Series D Purchase Agreement).

SECTION 19.7 Series D Change of Control.

Promptly upon entry into definitive agreements that provide for a Series D Change of Control, the Partnership shall provide written notice thereof to the Series D Preferred Unitholders. If a Series D Change of Control occurs, then each Series D Preferred Unitholder, with respect to all but not less than all of its Series D Preferred Units, by notice given to the Partnership within ten (10) Business Days of the date the Partnership provides written notice of the execution of definitive agreements that provide for such Series D Change of Control, shall be entitled to elect one of the following (with the understanding that any Series D Preferred Unitholder who fails to timely provide notice of its election to the Partnership shall be deemed to have elected the option set forth in sub-clause (a) below):

(a) convert all, but not less than all, Outstanding Series D Preferred Units held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder into Common Units, effective immediately prior to the closing of the Series D Change of Control, at the then-applicable Series D COC Conversion Ratio;

(b) other than with respect to a Series D Change of Control that results in the dissolution or liquidation of the Partnership, require the Partnership (or the surviving entity, if not the Partnership) to redeem all of the Series D Preferred Units held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder for an amount in cash, per Series D Preferred Unit, equal to the sum of (A) the Series D COC Redemption Price plus (B) (x) the Series D Distribution Amount multiplied by (y) the number of Series D Distribution Periods ending after the consummation of such Series D Change of Control and prior to (but including) June 29, 2022. If any Series D Preferred Unitholder elects this sub-clause (b) with respect to the Series D Preferred Units held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder, then no later than three Trading Days prior to the consummation of the applicable Series D Change of Control, the Partnership shall deliver a written notice to such Series D Preferred Unitholder stating the date on which the Series D Preferred Units will be redeemed and the Partnership’s computation of the amount of cash to be received by such Series D Preferred Unitholder upon redemption of such Series D Preferred Units. No later than 10 Business Days following the consummation of such Series D Change of Control, the Partnership (or the surviving entity, if not the Partnership) shall remit the applicable cash consideration to such Series D Preferred Unitholder. Any such Series D Preferred Unitholder electing this sub-clause (b) shall deliver to the Partnership any Certificates representing its Series D Preferred Units as soon as practicable following the delivery by the Partnership of the written notice described in this sub-clause (b). Series D Preferred Unitholders shall retain all of the rights and privileges thereof unless and until the consideration due to them as a result of such redemption shall be paid in full in cash. After any such redemption, any such redeemed Series D Preferred Unit shall no longer constitute an issued and Outstanding Limited Partner Interest.

 

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(c) if the Partnership is the surviving entity following such Series D Change of Control and the Common Units continue to be listed for, or admitted to, trading on a National Securities Exchange, continue to hold its Series D Preferred Units; or

(d) if the Partnership is not the surviving entity of such Series D Change of Control or the Partnership is the surviving entity but its Common Units will cease to be listed or admitted to trading on a National Securities Exchange, require the Partnership to use its commercially reasonable efforts to deliver or to cause to be delivered to the Series D Preferred Unitholder, in exchange for its Series D Preferred Units upon consummation of such Series D Change of Control, a security in the surviving entity that has substantially similar rights, preferences and privileges as the Series D Preferred Units, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the right to distributions equal in amount and timing to those provided in Section  19.3 and a conversion rate proportionately adjusted such that the conversion of such security in the surviving entity immediately following the Series D Change of Control would entitle the Series D Preferred Unitholder to the number of common securities of such surviving entity (together with a number of common securities of equivalent value to any other assets received by Common Unitholders in such Series D Change of Control) which, if a Series D Preferred Unit had been converted into Common Units immediately prior to such Series D Change of Control, such Series D Preferred Unitholder would have been entitled to receive immediately following such Series D Change of Control (such security in the surviving entity, a “ Series D Substantially Equivalent Unit ”);  provided ,  however , that, if the Partnership is unable to deliver or cause to be delivered Series D Substantially Equivalent Units to any Series D Preferred Unitholder in connection with such Series D Change of Control, each Series D Preferred Unitholder shall be entitled to require conversion or redemption of its Series D Preferred Units in the manner contemplated in sub-clause (a) or (b) above.

SECTION 19.8 Redemption.  

(a) Partnership Redemption Right.

(i) The Partnership, upon at least 30 days’ advance written notice to Series D Preferred Unitholders (“ Series D Partnership Redemption Notice ”), may redeem an aggregate number of Outstanding Series D Preferred Units with a total minimum value of no less than $50.0 million, at any time on or after June 29, 2023, at the applicable Series D Partnership Redemption Price, payable wholly in cash (the “ Series D Partnership Redemption ”). For the avoidance of doubt, after such Series D Partnership Redemption Notice is sent by the Partnership but prior to such Series D Partnership Redemption in accordance with this Section  19.8(a) , Series D Preferred Unitholders shall have the right to convert their Series D Preferred Units in accordance with Section  19.6 .

 

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(ii) Each date fixed for redemption pursuant to this Section  19.8(a) or Section  19.8(b) is referred to as a “ Series D Redemption Date .” A Series D Partnership Redemption Notice will be irrevocable and will be addressed to the respective Record Holders of the Series D Preferred Units to be redeemed at their respective addresses as they appear on the books and records of the Partnership. No failure to give such notice or any defect therein shall affect the validity of the proceedings for the redemption of any Series D Preferred Units except as to any Series D Preferred Unitholder to whom the Partnership has failed to give notice or except as to any Series D Preferred Unitholder to whom notice was defective. In addition to any information required by applicable law, such Series D Partnership Redemption Notice shall state: (1) the Series D Redemption Date; (2) the Series D Partnership Redemption Price; and (3) whether all or less than all the outstanding Series D Preferred Units are to be redeemed, the aggregate amount of Series D Preferred Units to be redeemed and, if less than all Series D Preferred Units held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder are to be redeemed, the percentage of Series D Preferred Units that will be redeemed. The Series D Partnership Redemption Notice may also require delivery of Certificates representing the Series D Preferred Units to be redeemed, if any, together with certification as to the ownership of such Series D Preferred Units. Upon the redemption of Series D Preferred Units pursuant to this Section  19.8(a) , all rights of a Series D Preferred Unitholder with respect to the redeemed Series D Preferred Units shall cease, including, without limitation, any further accrual of distributions, and such redeemed Series D Preferred Units shall cease to be Outstanding for all purposes of this Agreement.

(iii) Upon any redemption of Series D Preferred Units pursuant to this Section  19.8(a) , the Partnership shall pay to each Series D Preferred Unitholder an amount in cash equal to the number of Series D Preferred Units being redeemed from such Series D Preferred Unitholder, multiplied by the Series D Partnership Redemption Price. The Series D Partnership Redemption Price shall be paid by the Paying Agent on the Series D Redemption Date.

(b) Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Right.

(i) At any time on or after June 29, 2028 but prior to the dissolution or liquidation of the Partnership (unless the Partnership has exercised the Series D Partnership Redemption pursuant to Section  19.8(a) ), each Series D Preferred Unitholder may, upon at least 30 days’ advance written notice to the Partnership (the “ Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice ”), require the Partnership to redeem all of the Outstanding Series D Preferred Units then held by such Series D Preferred Unitholder at the Series D Holder Redemption Price (the “ Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption ”). The Partnership may pay up to 50% of the Series D Holder Redemption Price in-kind in the form of Common Units (which shall be valued at 93% of the Average VWAP for the 30 Trading Day period ending on the fourth Trading Day immediately prior to the date of such Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption); provided , the Partnership may only redeem the Series D Preferred Units with Common Units to the extent the Common Units issued in the Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption do not exceed 15% of the Common Equity Market Capitalization of the Partnership on the date of such Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice (calculated to account for the issuance of the Common Units in the Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption). Any portion of the redemption price not paid in Common Units shall be paid by the Partnership in cash. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in connection with the Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption, the Partnership shall also redeem other Parity Securities on a pro rata basis if so required pursuant to the terms of any other Parity Security then Outstanding.

 

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(ii) A Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice will be irrevocable. In addition to any information required by applicable law, such Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice shall state the aggregate amount of Series D Preferred Units to be redeemed. Upon receipt of a Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice, the Partnership will send an acknowledgement notice to the Series D Preferred Unitholder, which shall contain (1) the Series D Redemption Date (which shall be not less than 30 days but not more than 45 days from the date of the Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice); and (2) the Series D Holder Redemption Price.

(iii) Upon any redemption of Series D Preferred Units pursuant to this Section  19.8(b) , the Partnership shall pay the cash portion of the Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Price to the applicable Series D Preferred Unitholder. The Series D Holder Redemption Price shall be paid by the Paying Agent on the Series D Redemption Date.

(iv) If the Partnership elects to pay a portion of the Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Price in Common Units in accordance with this Section  19.8(b) , the Partnership shall issue the applicable Common Units on the applicable Series D Redemption Date. On the Series D Redemption Date, the Partnership shall instruct, and shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause, its Transfer Agent to electronically transmit the Common Units issuable upon redemption to such Series D Preferred Unitholder (or designated recipient(s)), by crediting the account of the Series D Preferred Unitholder (or designated recipient(s)). The parties agree to coordinate with the Transfer Agent to accomplish this objective.

(v) Immediately upon the issuance of Common Units as a result of any redemption of Series D Preferred Units, the applicable Series D Preferred Unitholder (or its designated recipient(s)) shall be treated for all purposes as the owner of such Common Units, and all rights of the applicable Series D Preferred Unitholder with respect to such redeemed Series D Preferred Units shall cease, including any further accrual of distributions, but subject to Section  19.3(b) . Fractional Common Units shall not be issued to any Person pursuant to this Section  19.8(b) (each fractional Common Unit shall be rounded down to the nearest whole Common Unit with the remainder being paid an amount in cash to be calculated based on the Closing Price of Common Units on the date of the Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice).

(c) Upon a Series D Partnership Redemption Notice or a Series D Preferred Unitholder Redemption Notice, each Series D Preferred Unitholder shall have the right to elect which of its Series D Preferred Units are tendered for redemption pursuant to this Section 19.8, if less than all are required to be so tendered.

 

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SECTION 19.9 Transfer Restrictions.  

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section  19.9 (other than 19.9(b)(ii) - 19.9(b)(v) , each Series D Purchaser shall be permitted to transfer any Series D Preferred Units owned by such Series D Purchaser to (i) any of its Affiliates, (ii) any other Series D Purchasers or (iii) any Permitted Transferee, subject, in each case, to compliance with applicable securities laws, this Agreement and, for the avoidance of doubt, clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) of Section  19.9(b) and provided that the Partnership is given written notice prior to any transfer or assignment made pursuant to this Section  19.9(a) prior to the Series D Initial Distribution Date, stating the name and address of each such transferee or assignee and identifying the Series D Preferred Units with respect to which such transfer or assignment is being made.

(b) Without the prior written consent of the Partnership, except as specifically provided in this Agreement, each Series D Preferred Unitholder shall not: (i) during the period commencing on the Series D Initial Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary of the Series D Initial Closing Date, offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of its Series D Preferred Units; (ii) during the period commencing on the Series D Initial Closing Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Series D Initial Closing Date, directly or indirectly engage in any short sales or other derivative or hedging transactions with respect to any Partnership Securities; (iii) transfer any Series D Preferred Units to any non-U.S. resident individual, non-U.S. corporation or partnership, or any other non-U.S. entity, including any foreign governmental entity, including by means of any swap or other transaction or arrangement that transfers or that is designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, result in the transfer to another, in whole or in part, of any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Series D Preferred Units, regardless of whether any transaction described in clauses (i), (ii) or (iii) is to be settled by delivery of Series D Preferred Units, Common Units or other securities, in cash or otherwise; (iv) effect any transfer of Series D Preferred Units or Series D Conversion Common Units in a manner that violates the terms of this Agreement or (v) transfer any Series D Preferred Units to any Competitor of the Partnership; provided, however , that such Series D Preferred Unitholder may pledge all or any portion of its Series D Preferred Units to any holders of obligations owed by such Series D Preferred Unitholder, including to the trustee for, or representative of, such holder.

(c) Subject to Section  19.9(b) , following the first anniversary of the Series D Initial Closing Date, each Series D Preferred Unitholder may freely transfer Series D Preferred Units involving at least $50.0 million in Series D Preferred Units based on the Series D Unit Purchase Price (or such lesser amount if it (i) constitutes the remaining holdings of such Series D Preferred Unitholder or (ii) has been approved by the General Partner, in its sole discretion), subject, in each case, to compliance with applicable securities laws, this Agreement and, for the avoidance of doubt, clauses (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) of Section  19.9(b) .

 

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SECTION 19.10 Rank.  

The Series D Preferred Units shall each be deemed to rank:

(a) senior to any Junior Securities;

(b) on a parity with any Parity Securities;

(c) junior to any Senior Securities; and

(d) junior to all existing and future indebtedness of the Partnership and other liabilities with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against the Partnership.

The Partnership may issue Junior Securities and, subject to any approvals required pursuant to Section  16.4(c) , Section  17.4(c) , Section  18.4(c) and Section  19.4 , Parity Securities from time to time in one or more classes or series without the consent of the Series D Preferred Unitholders. Pursuant to Section  5.5 , the General Partner has the authority to determine the designations, preferences, rights, powers and duties of any such class or series before the issuance of any Partnership Interests of such class or series.

SECTION 19.11 No Sinking Fund.  

The Series D Preferred Units shall not have the benefit of any sinking fund.

SECTION 19.12 Record Holders.  

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the General Partner, the Partnership, the Transfer Agent and the Paying Agent may deem and treat any Series D Preferred Unitholder as the true, lawful and absolute owner of the applicable Series D Preferred Units for all purposes, and neither the General Partner, the Partnership nor the Transfer Agent or the Paying Agent shall be affected by any notice to the contrary, except as otherwise provided by law or any applicable rule, regulation, guideline or requirement of any National Securities Exchange on which the Series D Preferred Units are listed or admitted to trading.

SECTION 19.13 Notices.  

All notices or communications in respect of the Series D Preferred Units shall be sufficiently given if given in writing and delivered in person or by first class mail, postage prepaid, or if given in such other manner as may be permitted in this Article  XIX , this Agreement or by applicable law.

SECTION 19.14 Other Rights.  

The Series D Preferred Units and the Series D Preferred Unitholders shall not have any designations, preferences, rights, powers or duties, other than as set forth in this Agreement or as provided by applicable law.

 

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ARTICLE XX

GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 20.1 Addresses and Notices.

Except as otherwise provided in Section  16.9 , Section  17.9 , Section  18.9 and Section  19.13 in relation to the Preferred Units, any notice, demand, request, report or proxy materials required or permitted to be given or made to a Partner or Assignee under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given or made when delivered in person or when sent by first class United States mail or by other means of written communication to the Partner or Assignee at the address described below. Any notice, payment or report to be given or made to a Partner or Assignee hereunder shall be deemed conclusively to have been given or made, and the obligation to give such notice or report or to make such payment shall be deemed conclusively to have been fully satisfied, upon sending of such notice, payment or report to the Record Holder of such Partnership Securities at his address as shown on the records of the Transfer Agent or as otherwise shown on the records of the Partnership, regardless of any claim of any Person who may have an interest in such Partnership Securities by reason of any assignment or otherwise. An affidavit or certificate of making of any notice, payment or report in accordance with the provisions of this Section  20.1 executed by the General Partner, the Transfer Agent or the mailing organization shall be prima facie evidence of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report. If any notice, payment or report addressed to a Record Holder at the address of such Record Holder appearing on the books and records of the Transfer Agent or the Partnership is returned by the United States Postal Service marked to indicate that the United States Postal Service is unable to deliver it, such notice, payment or report and any subsequent notices, payments and reports shall be deemed to have been duly given or made without further mailing (until such time as such Record Holder or another Person notifies the Transfer Agent or the Partnership of a change in his address) if they are available for the Partner or Assignee at the principal office of the Partnership for a period of one year from the date of the giving or making of such notice, payment or report to the other Partners and Assignees. Any notice to the Partnership shall be deemed given if received by the General Partner at the principal office of the Partnership designated pursuant to Section  2.3 . The General Partner may rely and shall be protected in relying on any notice or other document from a Partner, Assignee or other Person if believed by it to be genuine.

SECTION 20.2 Further Action.

The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement.

SECTION 20.3 Binding Effect.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their heirs, executors, administrators, successors, legal representatives and permitted assigns.

 

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SECTION 20.4 Integration.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties hereto pertaining to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings pertaining thereto.

SECTION 20.5 Creditors.

None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of, or shall be enforceable by, any creditor of the Partnership.

SECTION 20.6 Waiver.

No failure by any party to insist upon the strict performance of any covenant, duty, agreement or condition of this Agreement or to exercise any right or remedy consequent upon a breach thereof shall constitute waiver of any such breach of any other covenant, duty, agreement or condition.

SECTION 20.7 Counterparts.

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, all of which together shall constitute an agreement binding on all the parties hereto, notwithstanding that all such parties are not signatories to the original or the same counterpart. Each party shall become bound by this Agreement immediately upon affixing its signature hereto or, in the case of a Person acquiring a Partnership Security, upon accepting the certificate evidencing such Partnership Security or executing and delivering a Transfer Application as herein described, independently of the signature of any other party.

SECTION 20.8 Applicable Law.

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the principles of conflicts of law.

SECTION 20.9 Invalidity of Provisions.

If any provision of this Agreement is or becomes invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 20.10 Consent of Partners.

Each Partner hereby expressly consents and agrees that, whenever in this Agreement it is specified that an action may be taken upon the affirmative vote or consent of less than all of the Partners, such action may be so taken upon the concurrence of less than all of the Partners and each Partner shall be bound by the results of such action.

[Rest of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

GENERAL PARTNER:
RIVERWALK LOGISTICS, L.P.
By:   NUSTAR GP, LLC, its
  General Partner
By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
Title:   Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
LIMITED PARTNERS:
All Limited Partners now and hereafter admitted as Limited Partners of the Partnership, pursuant to powers of attorney now and hereafter executed in favor of, and granted and delivered to the General Partner.
RIVERWALK LOGISTICS, L.P.
By:   NUSTAR GP, LLC, its
  General Partner
By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
Title:   Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer
NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC, solely for the purpose of Section  19.3
By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
Title:   Executive Vice President and
  Chief Financial Officer

 

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EXHIBIT A

to the Seventh Amended and

Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of

NuStar Energy L.P.

Certificate Evidencing Common Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests in

NuStar Energy L.P.

 

No.    ____________ Common Units

In accordance with Section  4.1 of the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “ Partnership Agreement ”), NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), hereby certifies that ___________________ (the “ Holder ”) is the registered owner of ________ Common Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “ Common Units ”) transferable on the books of the Partnership, in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed and accompanied by a properly executed application for transfer of the Common Units represented by this Certificate. The rights, preferences and limitations of the Common Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Common Units represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership located at 19003 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the Partnership Agreement.

The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement, (ii) represented and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership Agreement, (iii) granted the powers of attorney provided for in the Partnership Agreement and (iv) made the waivers and given the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.

This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it has been countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent and Registrar.

 

Dated:     NuStar Energy L.P.
    By:   Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., its

General Partner

     
Countersigned and Registered by:       By:   NuStar GP, LLC,
      its General Partner

 

Exh. A-1


as Transfer Agent and Registrar     By:  
    Name:  
By:        
  Authorized Signature     By:  
        Secretary

[Reverse of Certificate]

ABBREVIATIONS

The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of this Certificate, shall be construed as follows according to applicable laws or regulations:

 

TEN COM –    as tenants in common    UNIF GIFT/TRANSFERS MIN
ACT      
TEN ENT –    as tenants by the entireties   

Custodian

      (Cust)
                (Minor)   
JT TEN –    as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common    under Uniform Gifts/Transfers to Minors Act
              (State)

Additional abbreviations, though not in the above list, may also be used.

 

Exh. A-2


ASSIGNMENT OF COMMON UNITS

in

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED,

   hereby assigns, conveys, sells and
transfers unto   

(Please print or typewrite name other identifying and address of Assignee)

  

(Please insert Social Security or number of Assignee)

________________ Common Units representing limited partner interests evidenced by this Certificate, subject to the Partnership Agreement, and does hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________ as its attorney-in-fact with full power of substitution to transfer the same on the books of NuStar Energy L.P.

 

Date:   

NOTE: The signature to any endorsement hereon must correspond with the name as written upon the face of this Certificate in every particular, without alteration, enlargement or change.

SIGNATURE(S) MUST BE GUARANTEED BY A MEMBER FIRM OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS, INC. OR BY A COMMERCIAL BANK OR TRUST COMPANY   

(Signature)

 

(Signature)

 

SIGNATURE(S) GUARANTEED

No transfer of the Common Units evidenced hereby will be registered on the books of the Partnership, unless the Certificate evidencing the Common Units to be transferred is surrendered for registration or transfer and an Application for Transfer of Common Units has been executed by a transferee either (a) on the form set forth below or (b) on a separate application that the Partnership will furnish on request without charge. A transferor of the Common Units shall have no duty to the transferee with respect to execution of the transfer application in order for such transferee to obtain registration of the transfer of the Common Units.

 

Exh. A-3


APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER OF COMMON UNITS

The undersigned (“ Assignee ”) hereby applies for transfer to the name of the Assignee of the Common Units evidenced hereby.

The Assignee (a) requests admission as a Substituted Limited Partner and agrees to comply with and be bound by, and hereby executes, the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P. (the “ Partnership ”), as amended, supplemented or restated to the date hereof (the “ Partnership Agreement ”), (b) represents and warrants that the Assignee has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership Agreement, (c) appoints the General Partner of the Partnership and, if a Liquidator shall be appointed, the Liquidator of the Partnership as the Assignee’s attorney-in-fact to execute, swear to, acknowledge and file any document, including, without limitation, the Partnership Agreement and any amendment thereto and the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership and any amendment thereto, necessary or appropriate for the Assignee’s admission as a Substituted Limited Partner and as a party to the Partnership Agreement, (d) gives the powers of attorney provided for in the Partnership Agreement, and (e) makes the waivers and gives the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Partnership Agreement.

 

Date:   
   Signature of Assignee
Social Security or other identifying number of Assignee    Name and Address of Assignee

Purchase Price including commissions, if any

Type of Entity (check one):

            ☐ Individual             ☐ Partnership ☐             Corporation

            ☐ Trust                             ☐ Other (specify)

Nationality (check one):

            ☐ U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity

            ☐ Foreign Corporation            ☐ Non-resident Alien

If the U.S. Citizen, Resident or Domestic Entity box is checked, the following certification must be completed.

Under Section 1445(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), the Partnership must withhold tax with respect to certain transfers of property if a holder of an interest in the Partnership is a foreign person. To inform the Partnership that no withholding is required with respect to the undersigned interestholder’s interest in it, the undersigned hereby certifies the following (or, if applicable, certifies the following on behalf of the interestholder).

 

Exh. A-4


Complete Either A or B:

A. Individual Interestholder

1. I am not a non-resident alien for purposes of U.S. income taxation.

2. My U.S. taxpayer identification number (Social Security Number) is .

3. My home address is .

B. Partnership, Corporation or Other Interestholder

1. is not a foreign corporation, foreign partnership, foreign (Name of Interestholder) trust or foreign estate (as those terms are defined in the Code and Treasury Regulations).

2. The interestholder’s U.S. employer identification number is .

3. The interestholder’s office address and place of incorporation (if applicable) is .

The interestholder agrees to notify the Partnership within sixty (60) days of the date the interestholder becomes a foreign person.

The interestholder understands that this certificate may be disclosed to the Internal Revenue Service by the Partnership and that any false statement contained herein could be punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this certification and to the best of my knowledge and belief it is true, correct and complete and, if applicable, I further declare that I have authority to sign this document on behalf of:

Name of Interestholder

Signature and Date

Title (if applicable)

Note: If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing corporation, other nominee holder or an agent of any of the foregoing, and is holding for the account of any other person, this application should be completed by an officer thereof or, in the case of a broker or dealer, by a registered representative who is a member of a registered national securities exchange or a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., or, in the case of

 

Exh. A-5


any other nominee holder, a person performing a similar function. If the Assignee is a broker, dealer, bank, trust company, clearing corporation, other nominee owner or an agent of any of the foregoing, the above certification as to any person for whom the Assignee will hold the Common Units shall be made to the best of the Assignee’s knowledge.

 

Exh. A-6


EXHIBIT B

to the Seventh Amended and

Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of

NuStar Energy L.P.

Certificate Evidencing 8.50% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable

Perpetual Preferred Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests in

NuStar Energy L.P.

 

No.    Series A Preferred Units

In accordance with Sections 4.1 and 16.2(b) of the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “Partnership Agreement”), NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), hereby certifies that                (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of 8.50% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Series A Preferred Units”) transferable on the books of the Partnership, in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. The rights, preferences and limitations of Series A Preferred Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Series A Preferred Units represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership located at 19003 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the Partnership Agreement.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY ACKNOWLEDGES FOR THE BENEFIT OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. THAT THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IF SUCH TRANSFER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) WOULD (A) VIOLATE THE THEN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION OVER SUCH TRANSFER, (B) TERMINATE THE EXISTENCE OR QUALIFICATION OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, OR (C) CAUSE NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. TO BE TREATED AS AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE TO BE TAXED AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR TAXED). THE GENERAL PARTNER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IF IT RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. BECOMING TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE BECOMING TAXABLE AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THIS SECURITY MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON ITS TRANSFER PROVIDED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE

 

Exh.B-1


HOLDER OF RECORD OF THIS SECURITY TO THE SECRETARY OF THE GENERAL PARTNER AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE PARTNERSHIP. THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL NOT PRECLUDE THE SETTLEMENT OF ANY TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THIS SECURITY ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY IS LISTED OR ADMITTED TO TRADING.

The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement and accepted all of its terms and conditions, (ii) represented and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership Agreement, (iii) granted the power of attorney set forth in Section 2.6 of the Partnership Agreement and (iv) made the waivers and given the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.

This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it has been countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent. This Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

Exh. B-2


EXHIBIT C

to the Seventh Amended and

Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of

NuStar Energy L.P.

Certificate Evidencing 7.625% Series B Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable

Perpetual Preferred Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests in

NuStar Energy L.P.

 

No.    Series B Preferred Units

In accordance with Sections 4.1 and 17.2(b) of the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “Partnership Agreement”), NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), hereby certifies that                (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of 7.625% Series B Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Series B Preferred Units”) transferable on the books of the Partnership, in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. The rights, preferences and limitations of Series B Preferred Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Series B Preferred Units represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership located at 19003 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the Partnership Agreement.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY ACKNOWLEDGES FOR THE BENEFIT OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. THAT THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IF SUCH TRANSFER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) WOULD (A) VIOLATE THE THEN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION OVER SUCH TRANSFER, (B) TERMINATE THE EXISTENCE OR QUALIFICATION OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, OR (C) CAUSE NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. TO BE TREATED AS AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE TO BE TAXED AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR TAXED). THE GENERAL PARTNER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IF IT RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. BECOMING TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE BECOMING TAXABLE AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THIS SECURITY MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON ITS TRANSFER PROVIDED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER

 

Exh. C-1


OF RECORD OF THIS SECURITY TO THE SECRETARY OF THE GENERAL PARTNER AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE PARTNERSHIP. THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL NOT PRECLUDE THE SETTLEMENT OF ANY TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THIS SECURITY ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY IS LISTED OR ADMITTED TO TRADING.

The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement and accepted all of its terms and conditions, (ii) represented and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership Agreement, (iii) granted the power of attorney set forth in Section 2.6 of the Partnership Agreement and (iv) made the waivers and given the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.

This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it has been countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent. This Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

Exh. C-2


EXHIBIT D

to the Seventh Amended and

Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of

NuStar Energy L.P.

Certificate Evidencing 9.00% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable

Perpetual Preferred Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests in

NuStar Energy L.P.

 

No.    Series C Preferred Units

In accordance with Sections 4.1 and 18.2(b) of the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “Partnership Agreement”), NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), hereby certifies that                (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of 9.00% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Series C Preferred Units”) transferable on the books of the Partnership, in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. The rights, preferences and limitations of Series C Preferred Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Series C Preferred Units represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership located at 19003 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the Partnership Agreement.

THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY ACKNOWLEDGES FOR THE BENEFIT OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. THAT THIS SECURITY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED IF SUCH TRANSFER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) WOULD (A) VIOLATE THE THEN APPLICABLE FEDERAL OR STATE SECURITIES LAWS OR RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY WITH JURISDICTION OVER SUCH TRANSFER, (B) TERMINATE THE EXISTENCE OR QUALIFICATION OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, OR (C) CAUSE NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. TO BE TREATED AS AN ASSOCIATION TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE TO BE TAXED AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES (TO THE EXTENT NOT ALREADY SO TREATED OR TAXED). THE GENERAL PARTNER (AS DEFINED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT) MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY IF IT RECEIVES AN OPINION OF COUNSEL THAT SUCH RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY TO AVOID A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. BECOMING TAXABLE AS A CORPORATION OR OTHERWISE BECOMING TAXABLE AS AN ENTITY FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES. THIS SECURITY MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON ITS TRANSFER PROVIDED IN THE PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT. COPIES OF SUCH AGREEMENT MAY BE OBTAINED AT NO COST BY WRITTEN REQUEST MADE BY THE HOLDER

 

Exh. D-1


OF RECORD OF THIS SECURITY TO THE SECRETARY OF THE GENERAL PARTNER AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF THE PARTNERSHIP. THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH ABOVE SHALL NOT PRECLUDE THE SETTLEMENT OF ANY TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THIS SECURITY ENTERED INTO THROUGH THE FACILITIES OF ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY IS LISTED OR ADMITTED TO TRADING.

The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement and accepted all of its terms and conditions, (ii) represented and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership Agreement, (iii) granted the power of attorney set forth in Section 2.6 of the Partnership Agreement and (iv) made the waivers and given the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.

This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it has been countersigned and registered by the Transfer Agent. This Certificate shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

 

Exh. D-2


EXHIBIT E

to the Seventh Amended and

Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of

NuStar Energy L.P.

Certificate Evidencing Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units

Representing Limited Partner Interests in

NuStar Energy L.P.

 

No.    Series D Preferred Units

In accordance with Sections 4.1 and 19.2(b) of the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., as amended, supplemented or restated from time to time (the “Partnership Agreement”), NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “Partnership”), hereby certifies that                (the “Holder”) is the registered owner of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Series D Preferred Units”) transferable on the books of the Partnership, in person or by duly authorized attorney, upon surrender of this Certificate properly endorsed. The rights, preferences and limitations of Series D Preferred Units are set forth in, and this Certificate and the Series D Preferred Units represented hereby are issued and shall in all respects be subject to the terms and provisions of, the Partnership Agreement. Copies of the Partnership Agreement are on file at, and will be furnished without charge on delivery of written request to the Partnership at, the principal office of the Partnership located at 19003 IH-10 West, San Antonio, Texas 78257. Capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall have the meanings given them in the Partnership Agreement.

The Holder, by accepting this Certificate, is deemed to have (i) requested admission as, and agreed to become, a Limited Partner and to have agreed to comply with and be bound by and to have executed the Partnership Agreement, (ii) represented and warranted that the Holder has all right, power and authority and, if an individual, the capacity necessary to enter into the Partnership Agreement, (iii) granted the powers of attorney provided for in the Partnership Agreement and (iv) made the waivers and given the consents and approvals contained in the Partnership Agreement.

This Certificate shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflict of laws thereof.

NEITHER THE OFFER NOR SALE OF THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED IN THE ABSENCE OF A REGISTRATION STATEMENT IN EFFECT WITH RESPECT TO THE SECURITIES UNDER SUCH ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION THEREUNDER AND, IN THE CASE OF A TRANSACTION EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION, UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 UNDER SUCH ACT OR THE PARTNERSHIP HAS RECEIVED DOCUMENTATION REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO IT THAT SUCH TRANSACTION DOES NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION UNDER

 

Exh. E-1


SUCH ACT. THIS SECURITY IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER AND AGREEMENTS WITH RESPECT TO VOTING SECURITIES AS SET FORTH IN THE SEVENTH AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT OF THE PARTNERSHIP, DATED AS OF JUNE 29, 2018, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PARTNERSHIP AT ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES.

This Certificate shall not be valid for any purpose unless it has been countersigned and registered by the General Partner, as transfer agent for the Series D Preferred Units.

 

Exh. E-2

Exhibit 4.2

Execution Version

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

BY AND AMONG

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.

AND

THE PURCHASERS NAMED ON SCHEDULE A HERETO

This REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is made and entered into as of June 29, 2018, by and among NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), and each of the Purchasers set forth on Schedule  A to this Agreement (each, a “ Purchaser ” and collectively, the “ Purchasers ”).

WHEREAS, this Agreement is entered into in connection with the closing of the issuance and sale of the Preferred Units (as defined below), pursuant to the Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2018 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), by and among the Partnership and the Purchasers;

WHEREAS, the Partnership has agreed to provide the registration and other rights set forth in this Agreement for the benefit of the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement; and

WHEREAS, it is a condition to the respective obligations of the Partnership and each of the Purchasers to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement that each of the parties hereto execute and deliver this Agreement, contemporaneously with the initial closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement;

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions . The terms set forth below are used herein as so defined:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question (provided that no portfolio company of such Person shall be considered an Affiliate of such Person). As used herein, the term “control” (including, with correlative meanings, “controlled by” and “under common control with”) means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, (a) the General Partner or the Partnership, on the one hand, and any Purchaser, on the other, shall not be considered Affiliates and (b) with respect to any Holder that is an investment fund, investment account or investment company, any other investment fund, investment account or investment company that is managed, advised or sub-advised by the same investment advisor as such Holder or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor, shall be considered controlled by, and an Affiliate of, such Holder.


Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, any federal legal holiday or day on which banking institutions in the State of New York or State of Texas are authorized or required by Law or other governmental action to close.

Common Unit Registrable Securities ” means (i) the Common Units issued or issuable upon the conversion of the Preferred Units acquired by the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or, in the case of Series D PIK Units, pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, and (ii) any type of ownership interest issued to the Holder as a result of Section  3.04 of this Agreement.

Common Unit Effectiveness Deadline ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.01(a) of this Agreement.

Common Units ” means the common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership and having the rights and obligations specified in the Partnership Agreement.

Demand Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.04 of this Agreement.

Effective Date ” means, with respect to a particular Shelf Registration Statement, the date of effectiveness of such Shelf Registration Statement.

Effectiveness Deadline ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.01(b) of this Agreement.

Effectiveness Period ” means the period beginning on the Effective Date for the Registration Statement and ending at the earlier of (i) the time that all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement have ceased to be Registrable Securities or (ii) the fourth anniversary of the date on which all Registrable Securities have converted into Common Units pursuant to Article XIX of the Partnership Agreement.

Electing Holders ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.04(a) of this Agreement.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Governmental Authority ” means, with respect to any Person, any country, state, county, city and political subdivisions in which such Person or such Person’s Property is located or which exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property, and any court, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, official or other regulatory authority (including self-regulated organizations or other non-governmental regulatory authorities) or instrumentality of any of them and any monetary authority that exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property. Unless otherwise specified, all references to Governmental Authority herein with respect to the Partnership shall mean a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over any of the Partnership Entities or their respective Properties.

 

1


General Partner ” means Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and the general partner of the Partnership and its successors and permitted assigns as general partner of the Partnership.

Holder ” means the record holder of any Registrable Securities under this Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, in accordance with Section  3.05 of this Agreement, for purposes of determining the availability of any rights and applicability of any obligations under this Agreement, including calculating the amount of Registrable Securities held by a Holder, a Holder’s Registrable Securities shall be aggregated together with all Registrable Securities held by other Holders who are Affiliates of such Holder.

Holder Underwriter Registration Statement ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.05(p) of this Agreement.

Included Common Unit Registrable Securities ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02(a) of this Agreement.

Initial Closing Date ” means June 29, 2018, or such other later date as the Partnership and the Purchasers shall agree to in writing.

Launch ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.04(a) of this Agreement.

Law ” means any statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, order, code, governmental restriction, decree, injunction or other requirement of law, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, of any Governmental Authority.

Liquidated Damages ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.01(c) .

Liquidated Damages Multiplier ” means the product of (i) the Unit Purchase Price and (ii) the number of Registrable Securities then held by the applicable Holder and included on the applicable Registration Statement.

Losses ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.09(a) of this Agreement.

Managing Underwriter ” means, with respect to any Underwritten Offering, the book-running lead manager or managers of such Underwritten Offering.

National Securities Exchange ” means an exchange registered with the SEC under Section 6(a) of the Exchange Act (or any successor to such Section) and any other securities exchange (whether or not registered with the SEC under Section 6(a) (or successor to such Section) of the Exchange Act) that NuStar GP shall designate as a National Securities Exchange for purposes of this Agreement.

NuStar GP ” means NuStar GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the General Partner.

NYSE ” means the New York Stock Exchange.

 

2


Opt-Out Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02(a) of this Agreement.

Other Holder ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02(a) of this Agreement

Partnership ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Partnership Agreement ” means the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., dated as of June 29, 2018, as may be amended from time to time.

Partnership Entities ” means NuStar GP, the General Partner, the Partnership and the subsidiaries of the Partnership.

Partnership Indemnified Person ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.09(b) of this Agreement.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization or government or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, or any other form of entity.

Piggyback Notice ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02(a) of this Agreement.

Piggyback Threshold Amount ” means $25 million of Common Unit Registrable Securities in the aggregate (determined by multiplying the number of Common Unit Registrable Securities owned by the average volume weighted average price for the ten (10) Trading Days preceding the date of the Piggyback Notice), or such lesser amount if it constitutes the remaining holdings of the Holder and its Affiliates.

Preferred Unit Effectiveness Deadline ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02(b) of this Agreement.

Preferred Unit Registrable Securities ” means Preferred Units outstanding at any time after the Preferred Unit Registration Request is received by the Partnership.

Preferred Unit Registration Request ” means a request of Holders holding a majority of the outstanding Preferred Units, delivered to the Partnership on a date no earlier than the two-year anniversary of the Initial Closing Date (as defined in the Purchase Agreement), to register the resale of the Preferred Unit Registrable Securities under the Securities Act and list the Preferred Unit Registrable Securities on the NYSE (or such other National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are then listed and traded or such other National Securities Exchange as the Partnership and the Holders holding a majority of the outstanding Preferred Unit Registrable Securities shall agree).

Preferred Units ” means the Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units of the Partnership, including any Series D PIK Units, issued pursuant to the Partnership Agreement.

Property ” or “ Properties ” means any interest or interests in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible (including intellectual property rights).

 

3


Purchase Agreement ” has the meaning specified in the recitals of this Agreement.

Purchaser ” and “ Purchasers ” have the meanings specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Registrable Securities ” means, as of any date of determination, the Common Unit Registrable Securities and the Preferred Unit Registrable Securities. Any Registrable Security shall cease to be a Registrable Security at the earliest of the following: (a) when a registration statement covering such Registrable Security becomes or has been declared effective by the SEC and such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement; (b) when such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of (excluding transfers or assignments by a Holder to an Affiliate) pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the SEC then in effect); (c) when such Registrable Security is held by the Partnership or one of its Affiliates (other than a Purchaser or its Affiliates); or (d) when such Registrable Security has been sold or disposed of in a private transaction in which the transferor’s rights under this Agreement are not assigned to the transferee of such securities pursuant to Section  2.11 hereof.

Registrable Securities Required Voting Percentage ” means 66 2/3% of the outstanding Registrable Securities voting together as a single class on an as-converted basis.

Registration Expenses ” means all expenses incident to the Partnership’s performance under or compliance with this Agreement to effect the registration of Registrable Securities on a Registration Statement pursuant to Section  2.01 or an Underwritten Offering covered under this Agreement, and the disposition of such Registrable Securities, including, without limitation, all registration, filing, securities exchange listing and National Securities Exchange fees, all registration, filing, qualification and other fees and expenses of complying with securities or blue sky laws, fees of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., fees of transfer agents and registrars, all word processing, duplicating and printing expenses, any transfer taxes, and the fees and disbursements of counsel and independent public accountants for the Partnership, including the expenses of any special audits or “comfort” letters required by or incident to such performance and compliance, and the reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for all Selling Holders participating in such Registration Statement or Underwritten Offering to effect the disposition of such Registrable Securities, selected by the Holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities initially being registered under such Registration Statement or other registration statement as contemplated by this Agreement, subject to the reasonable consent of the Partnership.

Registration Statement ” means a registration statement filed pursuant to Section  2.01 of this Agreement.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Selling Expenses ” means all underwriting discounts and selling commissions or similar fees or arrangements allocable to the sale of the Registrable Securities, and fees and disbursements of counsel to the Selling Holders, except for the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Selling Holders required to be paid by the Partnership pursuant to the definition of “Registration Expenses” or Sections  2.08 and 2.09 .

 

4


Selling Holder ” means a Holder who is selling Registrable Securities under a Registration Statement pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

Selling Holder Indemnified Person ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.09(a) of this Agreement.

Series D PIK Unit ” means a Preferred Unit issued pursuant to a Preferred Unit distribution, pursuant to the terms of the Partnership Agreement.

Shelf Registration Statement ” means a registration statement under the Securities Act to permit the resale of the Registrable Securities from time to time as permitted by Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the SEC then in effect).

Trading Day ” means a day on which the principal National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units and, if applicable, Preferred Units are listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if such Common Units and Preferred Units are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, a day on which banking institutions in New York City generally are open.

Underwritten Offering ” means an offering (including an offering pursuant to a Shelf Registration Statement) in which Registrable Securities are sold to one or more underwriters on a firm commitment basis for reoffering to the public or an offering that is a “bought deal” with one or more investment banks.

Unit Purchase Price ” means $25.38.

WKSI ” means a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by the rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC.

ARTICLE II

REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Section 2.01 Shelf Registration .

(a) Common Unit Shelf Registration . Within one (1) year after the Initial Closing Date, the Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file a Shelf Registration Statement with the SEC to permit the resale of all Common Unit Registrable Securities on the terms and conditions specified in this Section  2.01 . The Registration Statement filed with the SEC pursuant to this Section  2.01(a) shall be on Form S-3 or, if Form S-3 is not then available to the Partnership, on Form S-1 or such other form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Common Unit Registrable Securities, and shall contain a prospectus in such form as to permit any Selling Holder covered by such Registration Statement to sell such Common Unit Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the SEC then in effect) at any time beginning on the Effective Date for such Registration Statement, subject to the terms of this Agreement. The

 

5


Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section  2.01(a) to be declared effective no later than one (1) year after the Initial Closing Date (the “ Common Unit Effectiveness Deadline ”). During the Effectiveness Period, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section  2.01(a) to remain continuously effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another registration statement is available for the resale of the Common Unit Registrable Securities until such Common Unit Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities. The Partnership shall prepare and file a supplemental listing application with the NYSE (or such other National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are then listed and traded) to list the Common Unit Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement and shall have received approval for such Common Unit Registrable Securities to be listed on the NYSE (or such other National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are then listed and traded) by the Effective Date of such Registration Statement, subject only to official notice of issuance. As soon as practicable following the Effective Date of a Registration Statement, but in any event within three (3) Business Days of such date, the Partnership shall notify the Selling Holders of the effectiveness of such Registration Statement.

(b) Preferred Unit Shelf Registration . After the second anniversary of the Initial Closing Date, upon the written request of Holders holding a majority of the Preferred Unit Registrable Securities, the Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file, as soon as practicable, a Shelf Registration Statement with the SEC to permit the resale of all Preferred Unit Registrable Securities on the terms and conditions specified in this Section  2.01(b) . The Registration Statement filed with the SEC pursuant to this Section  2.01(b) shall be on Form S-3 or, if Form S-3 is not then available to the Partnership, on Form S-1 or such other form of registration statement as is then available to effect a registration for resale of the Preferred Unit Registrable Securities, and shall contain a prospectus in such form as to permit any Selling Holder covered by such Registration Statement to sell such Preferred Unit Registrable Securities pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the SEC then in effect) at any time beginning on the Effective Date for such Registration Statement, subject to the terms of this Agreement. During the Effectiveness Period, subject to the terms of this Agreement, the Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section  2.01(b) become or be declared effective as soon as practicable after, but in any event, prior to the date that is one year after, the receipt of a request to file such Registration Statement in accordance with this Section  2.01(b) (the “ Preferred Unit Effectiveness Deadline ” and, each of the Common Unit Effectiveness Deadline and the Preferred Unit Effectiveness Deadline, an “ Effectiveness Deadline ”), and (ii) cause a Registration Statement filed pursuant to this Section  2.01(b) to remain continuously effective, and to be supplemented and amended to the extent necessary to ensure that such Registration Statement is available or, if not available, that another registration statement is available for the resale of the Preferred Unit Registrable Securities until such Preferred Unit Registrable Securities have ceased to be Registrable Securities. The Partnership shall prepare and file a listing application with the National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are then listed and traded (or such other National Securities Exchange as the Partnership and the Holders holding a majority of the outstanding Preferred Unit Registrable Securities shall agree) to list the Preferred Unit Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement and shall have received approval for such Preferred Unit

 

6


Registrable Securities to be listed on the National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are then listed and traded (or such other National Securities Exchange as the Partnership and the Holders holding a majority of the outstanding Preferred Unit Registrable Securities shall agree) by the Effective Date of such Registration Statement, subject only to official notice of issuance. As soon as practicable following the Effective Date of a Registration Statement, but in any event within three (3) Business Days of such date, the Partnership shall notify the Selling Holders of the effectiveness of such Registration Statement.

(c) Failure to Become Effective . If a Registration Statement required by Section  2.01(a) or (b)  does not become, or is not declared, effective by the applicable Effectiveness Deadline, then each Holder shall be entitled to a payment (with respect to each of the Holder’s Registrable Securities which are (or are required to be) included in such Registration Statement), as liquidated damages and not as a penalty, (i) for each non-overlapping 30-day period for the first sixty (60) days following such Effectiveness Deadline, an amount equal to 0.25% of the Liquidated Damages Multiplier, which shall accrue daily, and (ii) for each non-overlapping thirty (30) day period beginning on the 61st day following such Effectiveness Deadline, an amount equal to the amount set forth in clause (i)  plus an additional 0.25% of the Liquidated Damages Multiplier for each subsequent sixty (60) days ( i.e. , 0.50%, for 61-120 days, 0.75% for 121-180 days, and 1.00% thereafter), up to a maximum of 1.00% of the Liquidated Damages Multiplier per thirty (30) day period (the “ Liquidated Damages ”); provided, that, the aggregate amount of Liquidated Damages payable by the Partnership under this Agreement to the Holders shall not exceed 10.0% of the Liquidated Damages Multiplier. Any Liquidated Damages shall be payable within fifteen (15) Business Days after the end of each such thirty (30) day period in immediately available funds to the account or accounts specified by the applicable Holders. Any amount of Liquidated Damages shall be prorated for any period of less than thirty (30) days accruing during any period for which a Holder is entitled to Liquidated Damages hereunder.

(d) Waiver of Liquidated Damages . If the Partnership is unable to cause a Registration Statement under Section  2.01(a) or (b)  to become effective on or before the Effectiveness Deadline, then the Partnership may request a waiver of the Liquidated Damages, which may be granted by the consent of the Holders of 66-2/3% of the Registrable Securities that remain included on such Registration Statement, in their sole discretion, and which such waiver shall apply to all the Holders of Registrable Securities included on such Registration Statement.

Section 2.02 Piggyback Rights .

(a) Participation . So long as a Holder has Common Unit Registrable Securities, if the Partnership proposes to file, in each case, for the sale of Common Units in an Underwritten Offering either: (i) a shelf registration statement, other than a Registration Statement contemplated by Section  2.01(a) , on behalf of itself or any other holder of Partnership securities who has registration rights related to an Underwritten Offering (each such person, an “ Other Holder ”), or (ii) a prospectus supplement relating to the sale of Common Units by the Partnership or any Other Holders to an effective “automatic” registration statement, so long as the Partnership is a WKSI at such time or, whether or not the Partnership is a WKSI, so long as the Common Unit Registrable Securities were previously included in the underlying shelf registration statement or are included on an effective registration statement, or in any case in which Holders may participate in such offering without filing a post-effective amendment that must be declared effective, in each case,

 

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for the sale of Common Units by the Partnership or Other Holders in an Underwritten Offering (including an Underwritten Offering undertaken pursuant to Section  2.04 ), then the Partnership shall give notice (including notification by electronic mail) following the selection of the Managing Underwriter for such Underwritten Offering, of such Underwritten Offering to each Holder (together with its Affiliates) (the “ Piggyback Notice ”). The Piggyback Notice shall offer Holders the opportunity to include in such Underwritten Offering the number of Common Unit Registrable Securities (the “ Included Common Unit Registrable Securities ”) as each Holder may request in writing. However, the Partnership shall not be required to provide such opportunity if the Holders do not offer, in the aggregate, a minimum of the Piggyback Threshold Amount of Common Unit Registrable Securities. Moreover, if the Partnership has been advised by the Managing Underwriter that the inclusion of Common Unit Registrable Securities for sale for the benefit of the Holders will have an adverse effect in any material respect on the price, timing or distribution of the Common Units in the Underwritten Offering, then if (A) in the opinion of the Managing Underwriter, no Common Unit Registrable Securities can be included in the Underwritten Offering, the Partnership shall not be required to offer such opportunity to the Holders or (B) in the opinion of the Managing Underwriter, any Common Unit Registrable Securities can be included in the Underwritten Offering, then the amount of Common Unit Registrable Securities to be offered for the accounts of Holders shall be determined based on the provisions of Section  2.02(b) . Any notice required to be provided in this Section  2.02(a) to Holders shall be provided on a Business Day and receipt of such notice shall be confirmed and kept confidential by the Holders unless and until such proposed Underwritten Offering has been publicly announced by the Partnership. If such proposed Underwritten Offering has been abandoned, the Partnership shall provide notice to the Holders reasonably promptly after the final decision to abandon a proposed Underwritten Offering has been made and such action and its context shall remain confidential. Each such Holder shall then have two (2) Business Days (or one (1) Business Day in connection with any overnight or bought Underwritten Offering) after notice has been delivered to request in writing the inclusion of Common Unit Registrable Securities in the Underwritten Offering. If a Holder’s written request for inclusion is not received within the specified time, such Holder shall have no further right to participate in such Underwritten Offering. If, at any time after giving written notice of its intention to undertake an Underwritten Offering and prior to the closing of such Underwritten Offering, such Underwritten Offering is terminated or delayed pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement, the Partnership (1) shall, in the case of a determination not to undertake such Underwritten Offering, give written notice (including by electronic mail) of such determination to the Selling Holders and shall be relieved of its obligation to sell any Included Common Unit Registrable Securities in connection with such terminated Underwritten Offering, and (2) shall, in the case of a determination to delay such Underwritten Offering, give written notice (including by electronic mail) of such determination to the Selling Holders and shall be permitted to delay offering any Included Common Unit Registrable Securities as part of such Underwritten Offering for the same period as the delay in the Underwritten Offering. Any Selling Holder shall have the right to withdraw its request for inclusion of its Common Unit Registrable Securities in such Underwritten Offering by giving written notice to the Partnership of its withdrawal at least one Business Day prior to the time of pricing of such Underwritten Offering. Any Holder may deliver written notice (an “ Opt -Out Notice ”) to the Partnership requesting that such Holder not receive notice from the Partnership of any proposed Underwritten Offering; provided , however , that such Holder may later revoke any such Opt-Out Notice in writing. Following receipt of an Opt-Out Notice from a Holder

 

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(unless subsequently revoked), the Partnership shall not be required to deliver any notice to such Holder pursuant to this Section  2.02(a) and such Holder shall no longer be entitled to participate in Underwritten Offerings by the Partnership pursuant to this Section  2.02(a) , unless such Opt-Out Notice is revoked by such Holder.

(b) Priority . Except as provided in Section  2.04(b) of this Agreement, if the Managing Underwriter advises the Partnership that the total amount of Common Units that the Selling Holders and any Other Holders intend to include in such offering exceeds the number of Common Units that can be sold in such offering without being likely to have an adverse effect in any material respect on the price, timing or distribution of the Common Units offered or the market for the Common Units, then the Common Units to be included in such Underwritten Offering shall include the number of Common Units that such Managing Underwriter advises the Partnership can be sold without having such adverse effect, with such number to be allocated (i) first, to the Partnership unless such Underwritten Offering is initiated by any Other Holder or a Holder, in which case it shall be to the Common Units requested to be included therein by such Other Holder or Holder, as the case may be, and (ii) second, pro  rata among any Other Holders and the Holders who are exercising piggyback registration rights pursuant to this Section  2.02 (based, for each such participant, on the percentage derived by dividing (x) the number of Common Units proposed to be sold by such participant in such Underwritten Offering by (y) the aggregate number of Common Units proposed to be sold by all participants in such Underwritten Offering).

Section 2.03 Delay Rights . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Partnership may, upon written notice to (i) all Holders, delay the filing of a Registration Statement required under Section  2.01 (b) , or (ii) any Selling Holder whose Registrable Securities are included in a Registration Statement or other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, suspend such Selling Holder’s use of any prospectus that is a part of such Registration Statement or other registration statement (in which event the Selling Holder shall discontinue sales of the Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement or other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement but may settle any previously made sales of Registrable Securities) if the Partnership (x) is pursuing an acquisition, merger, reorganization, disposition or other similar transaction and NuStar GP determines in good faith that the Partnership’s ability to pursue or consummate such a transaction would be materially adversely affected by any required disclosure of such transaction in such Registration Statement or other registration statement, or (y) has experienced some other material non-public event the disclosure of which at such time, in the good faith judgment of NuStar GP, would materially adversely affect the Partnership; provided, however , that in no event shall the Selling Holders be suspended from selling Registrable Securities pursuant to such Registration Statement for a single period that exceeds an aggregate sixty (60) days in any 180-day period or ninety (90) days in any 365-day period. Any notice provided by the Partnership pursuant to this Section  2.03 shall be provided on a Business Day and receipt of such notice shall be confirmed and kept confidential by the Holders unless and until disclosure of such information or the termination of such condition. Upon disclosure of such information or the termination of the condition described above, the Partnership shall provide prompt notice to the Selling Holders whose Registrable Securities are included in such Registration Statement or other registration statement and shall promptly terminate any suspension of sales it has put into effect and shall take such other reasonable actions to permit registered sales of Registrable Securities as contemplated in this Agreement.

 

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Section 2.04 Demand Rights .

(a) Underwritten Offerings . In the event that a Selling Holder (together with any Affiliates that are Selling Holders, the “ Electing Holders ”) elects to dispose of Common Unit Registrable Securities, under a Registration Statement pursuant to an Underwritten Offering and reasonably expects gross proceeds of at least $50 million from such Underwritten Offering, the Partnership shall, following the one year anniversary of the Initial Closing Date, upon the request of such Selling Holder (such request, a “ Demand Notice ”), enter into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the Managing Underwriter or Underwriters selected by the Partnership and approved by the Holders of a majority of the Common Unit Registrable Securities proposed to be sold in such Underwritten Offering, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, which shall include, among other provisions, indemnities to the effect and to the extent provided in Section  2.09 , and shall take all such other reasonable actions as are requested by the Managing Underwriters in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Common Unit Registrable Securities; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be required to effect more than three (3) Underwritten Offerings during the Effectiveness Period and no more than one (1) Underwritten Offering for all Holders of Common Unit Registrable Securities during any 6-month period pursuant to and subject to the conditions of this Section  2.04(a) . In connection with an Underwritten Offering contemplated by this Agreement in which a Selling Holder participates, each Selling Holder and the Partnership shall be obligated to enter into an underwriting agreement that contains such representations, covenants, indemnities and other rights and obligations as are customary in underwriting agreements for firm commitment offerings of securities. No Selling Holder may participate in such Underwritten Offering unless such Selling Holder agrees to sell its Common Unit Registrable Securities on the basis provided in such underwriting agreement and completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, indemnities and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting agreement. No Selling Holder shall be required to make any representations or warranties to, or agreements with, the Partnership or the underwriters other than representations, warranties or agreements regarding such Selling Holder, its ownership of the Common Unit Registrable Securities and its authority to enter into an underwriting agreement, its authority to sell the securities whose offer and resale will be registered on its behalf, the intended method of distribution and any other representation required by Law. If any Selling Holder disapproves of the terms of an Underwritten Offering, such Selling Holder may elect to withdraw therefrom by notice to the Partnership, the Electing Holders and the Managing Underwriter; provided , however , that any such withdrawal must be made at least one Business Day prior to the time of pricing of such Underwritten Offering. If all Selling Holders withdraw from an Underwritten Offering prior to the public announcement at launch (the “ Launch ”) of such Underwritten Offering, the events will not be considered an Underwritten Offering and will not decrease the number of available Underwritten Offerings the Holders have the right and option to request under this Section  2.04(a) . No such withdrawal or abandonment shall affect the Partnership’s obligation to pay Registration Expenses pursuant to Section  2.08 ; provided , however , that if all Selling Holders withdraw from such Underwritten Offering after the Launch, other than as a result of the occurrence of any event that would reasonably be expected to permit the Partnership to exercise its rights to suspend the use of a Registration Statement or other registration statement pursuant to Section  2.03(a) , then such Selling Holders shall pay ( pro  rata on the basis of the number of Common Unit Registrable Securities held by each such Selling Holder) for all reasonable Registration Expenses incurred by the Partnership during the period from the Launch of such Underwritten Offering until the time all Selling Holders have withdrawn from such Underwritten Offering.

 

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(b) Priority . If the Managing Underwriter of any proposed Underwritten Offering that involves Common Unit Registrable Securities of Electing Holders pursuant to Section  2.04(a) advises the Partnership that the inclusion of all of the Common Unit Registrable Securities that the Selling Holders intend to include in such offering exceeds the number that can be sold in such offering without being likely to have an adverse effect in any material respect on the price, timing or distribution of the Common Unit Registrable Securities offered or the market for the Common Unit Registrable Securities, then the Common Unit Registrable Securities to be included in such Underwritten Offering shall include the number of Common Unit Registrable Securities that such Managing Underwriter advises the Partnership can be sold without having such adverse effect, with such number to be allocated (i) first, to the Selling Holders, allocated among such Selling Holders pro  rata on the basis of the number of Common Unit Registrable Securities held by each such Selling Holder or in such other manner as such Selling Holders may agree, and (ii) second, to the Partnership and any Other Holder of securities of the Partnership having rights of registration that rank pari  passu with the Holders in respect of the Common Unit Registrable Securities.

Section 2.05 Sale Procedures .

In connection with its obligations under this Article  II , the Partnership shall, as expeditiously as possible:

(a) use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file with the SEC such amendments and supplements to a Registration Statement and the prospectus used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such Registration Statement effective for the Effectiveness Period and as may be necessary to comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement;

(b) if a prospectus supplement will be used in connection with the marketing of an Underwritten Offering under a Registration Statement and the Managing Underwriter at any time shall notify the Partnership in writing that, in the sole judgment of such Managing Underwriter, inclusion of detailed information to be used in such prospectus supplement is of material importance to the success of such Underwritten Offering, the Partnership shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to include such information in such prospectus supplement;

(c) furnish to each Selling Holder (i) as far in advance as reasonably practicable before filing a Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement or any supplement or amendment thereto (other than reports under the Exchange Act that are deemed to be amendments or supplements), upon request, copies of reasonably complete drafts of all such documents proposed to be filed (including exhibits and each document incorporated by reference therein to the extent then required by the rules and regulations of the SEC), and provide each such Selling Holder the opportunity to object to any information pertaining to such Selling Holder and its plan of distribution that is contained therein and make the corrections reasonably requested by such Selling Holder with respect to such information prior to filing a Registration Statement or such other registration statement or supplement or amendment thereto (other than reports under the Exchange Act that are deemed to be amendments or supplements), and (ii) such

 

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number of copies of such Registration Statement or such other registration statement and the prospectus included therein and any supplements and amendments thereto as such Selling Holder may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale or other disposition of the Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement or other registration statement;

(d) if applicable, use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly register or qualify the Registrable Securities covered by a Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement under the securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Selling Holders or, in the case of an Underwritten Offering, the Managing Underwriter, shall reasonably request; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be required to qualify generally to transact business in any jurisdiction where it is not then required to so qualify or to take any action that would subject it to general service of process in any such jurisdiction where it is not then so subject;

(e) promptly notify each Selling Holder, unless otherwise available electronically at no additional charge via the SEC’s EDGAR system, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered by any of them under the Securities Act, of (i) the filing of a Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement to be used in connection therewith, or any amendment or supplement thereto, and, with respect to such Registration Statement or any other registration statement or any post-effective amendment thereto, when the same has become effective; and (ii) the receipt of any written comments from the SEC with respect to any filing referred to in clause  (i) and any written request by the SEC for amendments or supplements to such Registration Statement or any other registration statement or any prospectus or prospectus supplement thereto;

(f) immediately notify each Selling Holder, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of (i) the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus or prospectus supplement contained in a Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading (in the case of any prospectus contained therein, in the light of the circumstances under which a statement is made); (ii) the issuance or express threat of issuance by the SEC of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of such Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose; or (iii) the receipt by the Partnership of any notification with respect to the suspension of the qualification of any Registrable Securities for sale under the applicable securities or blue sky laws of any jurisdiction. Following the provision of such notice, subject to the Partnership’s rights under Section  2.03 , the Partnership agrees to as promptly as practicable amend or supplement the prospectus or prospectus supplement or take other appropriate action so that the prospectus or prospectus supplement does not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances then existing and to take such other commercially reasonable action as is necessary to remove a stop order, suspension, threat thereof or proceedings related thereto;

 

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(g) upon request and subject to appropriate confidentiality obligations, furnish to each Selling Holder copies of any and all transmittal letters or other correspondence with the SEC or any other governmental agency or self-regulatory body or other body having jurisdiction (including any domestic or foreign securities exchange) relating to such offering of Registrable Securities;

(h) in the case of an Underwritten Offering, use its commercially reasonable efforts to furnish to the underwriters upon request, (i) an opinion of counsel for the Partnership dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement and (ii) a “comfort” letter, dated the pricing date of such Underwritten Offering and a letter of like-kind dated the date of the closing under the underwriting agreement, in each case, signed by the independent public accountants who have certified the Partnership’s financial statements included or incorporated by reference into the applicable registration statement, and each of the opinion and the “comfort” letter shall be in customary form and covering substantially the same matters with respect to such registration statement (and the prospectus and any prospectus supplement included therein) as have been customarily covered in opinions of issuer’s counsel and in accountants’ letters delivered to the underwriters in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Partnership and such other matters as such underwriters and Selling Holders may reasonably request;

(i) make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement, covering a period of twelve months beginning within three months after the Effective Date of such Registration Statement, which earnings statement shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 promulgated thereunder;

(j) make available to the appropriate representatives of the Managing Underwriter and Selling Holders access to such information and Partnership and NuStar GP personnel as is reasonable and customary to enable such parties to establish a due diligence defense under the Securities Act; provided , that the Partnership need not disclose any non-public information to any such representative unless and until such representative has entered into a confidentiality agreement with the Partnership;

(k) use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement to be listed on each securities exchange or nationally recognized quotation system on which the Common Units are then listed or quoted (or such other National Securities Exchange as the Partnership and the Holders holding a majority of such outstanding Registrable Securities shall agree);

(l) provide a transfer agent and registrar for all Registrable Securities covered by such Registration Statement not later than the Effective Date of such Registration Statement;

(m) enter into customary agreements and take such other actions as are reasonably requested by the Selling Holders or the Underwriters, if any, in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of Common Unit Registrable Securities (including making appropriate officers of NuStar GP available to participate in customary marketing activities); provided , however , that the officers of NuStar GP shall not be required to dedicate an unreasonably burdensome amount of time in connection with any roadshow and related marketing activities for any Underwritten Offering and officers of NuStar GP shall not be required to participate in more than one roadshow presentation per Underwritten Offering;

 

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(n) if requested by a Selling Holder, (i) incorporate in a prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment such information as such Selling Holder reasonably requests and is customary to be included therein relating to the sale and distribution of Registrable Securities, including information with respect to the number of Registrable Securities being offered or sold, the purchase price being paid therefor and any other terms of the offering of the Registrable Securities to be sold in such offering, and (ii) make all required filings of such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment after being notified of the matters to be incorporated in such prospectus supplement or post-effective amendment;

(o) if reasonably required by the Partnership’s transfer agent, the Partnership shall promptly deliver any authorizations, certificates and directions required by the transfer agent which authorize and direct the transfer agent to transfer Registrable Securities without legend upon sale by the Holder of such Registrable Securities under a Registration Statement; and

(p) if any Holder could reasonably be deemed to be an “underwriter,” as defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, in connection with a Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereof (a “ Holder Underwriter Registration Statement ”), then the Partnership will reasonably cooperate with such Holder in allowing such Holder to conduct customary “underwriter’s due diligence” with respect to the Partnership and satisfy its obligations in respect thereof; provided , that the Partnership need not disclose any non-public information to any such Holder, or any representative of such Holder, unless and until such representative has entered into a confidentiality agreement with the Partnership. In addition, at any Holder’s request, the Partnership will furnish to such Holder, on the date of the effectiveness of the Holder Underwriter Registration Statement and thereafter from time to time on such dates as such Holder may reasonably request ( provided that such request shall not be more frequently than on an annual basis unless such Holder is offering Registrable Securities pursuant to a Holder Underwriter Registration Statement), (i) a “comfort letter”, dated such date, from the Partnership’s independent certified public accountants in form and substance as has been customarily given by independent certified public accountants to underwriters in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Partnership, addressed to such Holder, (ii) an opinion, dated as of such date, of counsel representing the Partnership for purposes of the Holder Underwriter Registration Statement, in form, scope and substance as has been customarily given in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Partnership, accompanied by standard “10b-5” negative assurance for such offerings, addressed to such Holder and (iii) a standard officer’s certificate from the chief executive officer or chief financial officer, or other officers serving such functions, of the General Partner addressed to the Holder, as has been customarily given by such officers in Underwritten Offerings of securities by the Partnership. The Partnership will also use its reasonable efforts to provide legal counsel to such Holder with an opportunity to review and comment upon any such Holder Underwriter Registration Statement, and any amendments and supplements thereto (other than reports under the Exchange Act that are deemed to be amendments or supplements), prior to its filing with the Commission.

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section  2.05 , the Partnership shall not name a Holder as an underwriter as defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act in any Registration Statement or Holder Underwriter Registration Statement, as applicable, without such Holder’s consent. If the staff of the SEC requires the Partnership to name any Holder as an underwriter as defined in Section 2(a)(11) of the Securities Act, and such Holder does not consent thereto, then such Holder’s Registrable Securities shall not be included on the applicable Registration Statement and the Partnership shall have no further obligations hereunder with respect to Registrable Securities held by such Holder.

 

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Each Selling Holder, upon receipt of notice from the Partnership of the happening of any event of the kind described in Section  2.05(e) , shall forthwith discontinue offers and sales of the Registrable Securities by means of a prospectus or prospectus supplement until such Selling Holder’s receipt of the copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus contemplated by Section  2.05(e) or until it is advised in writing by the Partnership that the use of the prospectus may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings incorporated by reference in the prospectus, and, if so directed by the Partnership, such Selling Holder shall, or shall request the Managing Underwriter, if any, to deliver to the Partnership (at the Partnership’s expense) all copies in their possession or control, other than permanent file copies then in such Selling Holder’s possession, of the prospectus covering such Registrable Securities current at the time of receipt of such notice.

Section 2.06 Cooperation by Holders .

The Partnership shall have no obligation to include in a Registration Statement Registrable Securities of a Holder who has failed to timely furnish, after receipt of a written request from the Partnership, such information that the Partnership determines, after consultation with its counsel, is reasonably required in order for the Registration Statement or prospectus supplement, as applicable, to comply with the Securities Act.

Section 2.07 Restrictions on Public Sale by Holders of Registrable Securities .

Each Holder of Common Unit Registrable Securities that participates in an Underwritten Offering will enter into a customary letter agreement with the underwriters thereof providing such Holder will not cause any public sale or distribution of Registrable Securities to occur during the sixty (60) day period beginning on the date of a prospectus or prospectus supplement filed with the SEC with respect to the pricing of any Underwritten Offering, provided that (i) the duration of the foregoing restrictions shall be no longer than the duration of the shortest restriction generally imposed by the underwriters on the Partnership or the officers, directors or any other Affiliate of the Partnership, the General Partner or NuStar GP on whom a restriction is imposed, (ii) the restrictions set forth in this Section  2.07 shall not apply to any Common Unit Registrable Securities that are included in such Underwritten Offering by such Holder and (iii) in the event that the restrictions set forth in this Section  2.07 are waived with respect to any participant in such Underwritten Offering, such restrictions shall be deemed to have also been waived with respect to each Holder of Common Unit Registrable Securities that participates in such Underwritten Offering, on the same terms as and with respect to the same percentage of Registrable Securities as those which are subject to such waiver.

Section 2.08 Expenses .

(a) Expenses . Subject to the last sentence of Section  2.04(a) , the Partnership shall pay all reasonable Registration Expenses as determined in good faith by NuStar GP, including, in the case of an Underwritten Offering, the reasonable Registration Expenses of such Underwritten

 

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Offering, regardless of whether any sale is made pursuant to such Underwritten Offering. Each Selling Holder shall pay its pro  rata share of all Selling Expenses in connection with any sale of its Registrable Securities hereunder. For the avoidance of doubt, each Selling Holder’s pro  rata allocation of Selling Expenses shall be the percentage derived by dividing (i) the number of Registrable Securities sold by such Selling Holder in connection with such sale by (ii) the aggregate number of Registrable Securities sold by all Other Holders in connection with such sale. In addition, except as otherwise provided in the definition of “Registration Expenses” or Sections  2.08 and 2.09 hereof, the Partnership shall not be responsible for legal fees incurred by Holders in connection with the exercise of such Holders’ rights hereunder.

Section 2.09 Indemnification .

(a) By the Partnership . In the event of a registration of any Registrable Securities under the Securities Act pursuant to this Agreement, the Partnership shall indemnify and hold harmless each Selling Holder thereunder, its directors, officers, managers, partners, employees and agents and each Person, if any, who controls such Selling Holder within the meaning of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and its directors, officers, managers, partners, employees or agents (collectively, the “ Selling Holder Indemnified Person ”), against any losses, claims, damages, expenses or liabilities (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) (collectively, “ Losses ”), joint or several, to which such Selling Holder Indemnified Person may become subject under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, insofar as such Losses (or actions or proceedings, whether commenced or threatened, in respect thereof) (i) arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of any material fact (in the case of any prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which such statement is made) contained in (which, for the avoidance of doubt, includes documents incorporated by reference in) such Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, any preliminary prospectus, prospectus supplement or final prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereof, or any free writing prospectus relating thereto or (ii) arise out of or are based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of a prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not misleading, and shall reimburse each such Selling Holder Indemnified Person for any legal or other expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with investigating, defending or resolving any such Loss or actions or proceedings; provided , however , that the Partnership shall not be liable in any such case if and to the extent that any such Loss arises out of or is based upon an untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission so made in conformity with information furnished by or on behalf of such Selling Holder Indemnified Person in writing specifically for use in such Registration Statement or such other registration statement, or prospectus supplement, as applicable. Such indemnity shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of such Selling Holder Indemnified Person, and shall survive the transfer of such securities by such Selling Holder. The Parties hereby designate each Seller Holder Indemnified Person who is not a party to this Agreement as a third-party beneficiary of this Section  2.09 with the right to enforce this Section  2.09 .

(b) By Each Selling Holder . Each Selling Holder agrees severally and not jointly to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership, the General Partner, NuStar GP, its directors, officers, employees and agents and each Person, if any, who controls the Partnership within the

 

16


meaning of the Securities Act or of the Exchange Act, and its directors, officers, employees and agents (the “ Partnership Indemnified Persons ”), to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Partnership to the Selling Holders, but only with respect to information regarding such Selling Holder furnished in writing by or on behalf of such Selling Holder expressly for inclusion in such Registration Statement or any other registration statement contemplated by this Agreement, any preliminary prospectus, prospectus supplement or final prospectus contained therein, or any amendment or supplement thereof, or any free writing prospectus relating thereto; provided , however , that the liability of each Selling Holder shall not be greater in amount than the dollar amount of the proceeds (net of any Selling Expenses) received by such Selling Holder from the sale of the Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification. The Parties hereby designate each Partnership Indemnified Person who is not a party to this Agreement as a third-party beneficiary of this Section  2.09 with the right to enforce this Section  2.09 .

(c) Notice . Promptly after receipt by an indemnified party hereunder of notice of the commencement of any action, such indemnified party shall, if a claim in respect thereof is to be made against the indemnifying party hereunder, notify the indemnifying party in writing thereof, but such omission to so notify the indemnifying party shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have to any indemnified party other than under this Section  2.09 , except to the extent that the indemnifying party is materially prejudiced by such failure. In any action brought against any indemnified party, it shall notify the indemnifying party of the commencement thereof. The indemnifying party shall be entitled to participate in and, to the extent it shall wish, to assume and undertake the defense thereof with counsel reasonably satisfactory to such indemnified party and, after notice from the indemnifying party to such indemnified party of its election to so assume and undertake the defense thereof, the indemnifying party shall not be liable to such indemnified party under this Section  2.09 for any legal expenses subsequently incurred by such indemnified party in connection with the defense thereof other than reasonable costs of investigation and of liaison with counsel so selected; provided , however , that, (i) if the indemnifying party has failed to assume the defense or employ counsel reasonably acceptable to the indemnified party or (ii) if the defendants in any such action include both the indemnified party and the indemnifying party and counsel to the indemnified party shall have concluded that there may be reasonable defenses available to the indemnified party that are different from or additional to those available to the indemnifying party, or if the interests of the indemnified party reasonably may be deemed to conflict with the interests of the indemnifying party, then the indemnified party shall have the right to select a separate counsel and to assume such legal defense and otherwise to participate in the defense of such action, with the reasonable expenses and fees of such separate counsel and other reasonable expenses related to such participation to be reimbursed by the indemnifying party as incurred. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no indemnifying party shall settle any action brought against any indemnified party with respect to which such indemnified party is entitled to indemnification hereunder without the consent of the indemnified party, unless the settlement thereof imposes no liability or obligation on, and includes a complete and unconditional release from all liability of, the indemnified party.

(d) Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in this Section  2.09 is held by a court or government agency of competent jurisdiction to be unavailable to any indemnified party or is insufficient to hold them harmless in respect of any Losses, then each such indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such indemnified party as a result of such Loss in such proportion as is appropriate to

 

17


reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and of such indemnified party on the other in connection with the statements or omissions that resulted in such Losses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided , however , that in no event shall such Selling Holder be required to contribute an aggregate amount in excess of the dollar amount of proceeds (net of Selling Expenses) received by such Selling Holder from the sale of Registrable Securities giving rise to such indemnification. The relative fault of the indemnifying party on the one hand and the indemnified party on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact has been made by, or relates to, information supplied by such party, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such statement or omission. The parties hereto agree that it would not be just and equitable if contributions pursuant to this paragraph were to be determined by pro  rata allocation or by any other method of allocation that does not take account of the equitable considerations referred to herein. The amount paid by an indemnified party as a result of the Losses referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph shall be deemed to include any legal and other expenses reasonably incurred by such indemnified party in connection with investigating, defending or resolving any Loss that is the subject of this paragraph. No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

(e) Other Indemnification . The provisions of this Section  2.09 shall be in addition to any other rights to indemnification or contribution that an indemnified party may have pursuant to law, equity, contract or otherwise.

Section 2.10 Rule  144 Reporting .

With a view to making available the benefits of certain rules and regulations of the SEC that may permit the sale of the Registrable Securities to the public without registration, the Partnership agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to:

(a) make and keep public information regarding the Partnership available, as those terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any successor or similar provision adopted by the SEC then in effect), at all times from and after the date hereof;

(b) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other documents required of the Partnership under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act at all times from and after the date hereof; and

(c) so long as a Holder owns any Registrable Securities, furnish (i) to the extent accurate, forthwith upon request, a written statement of the Partnership that it has complied with the reporting requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act (or any similar provision then in effect) and (ii) unless otherwise available electronically at no additional charge via the SEC’s EDGAR system, to such Holder forthwith upon request a copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Partnership, and such other reports and documents as such Holder may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or regulation of the SEC allowing such Holder to sell any such securities without registration.

 

18


Section 2.11 Transfer or Assignment of Registration Rights .

The rights to cause the Partnership to register Registrable Securities granted to the Purchasers by the Partnership under this Article  II may be transferred or assigned by any Purchaser to one or more transferees or assignees of the Preferred Units or Registrable Securities, subject to the transfer restrictions set forth in Section 19.9 of the Partnership Agreement, provided , however , that (a) the Partnership is given written notice prior to any said transfer or assignment, stating the name and address of each of the transferee or assignee and identifying the Registrable Securities with respect to which such registration rights are being transferred or assigned and (b) each such transferee or assignee assumes in writing responsibility for its portion of the obligations of such Purchaser under this Agreement and to be bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

Section 2.12 Limitation on Subsequent Registration Rights .

From and after the date hereof, the Partnership shall not, without the prior written consent of the Holders of at least the Registrable Securities Required Voting Percentage, enter into any agreement with any current or future holder of any equity securities of the Partnership that would (i) allow such current or future holder to require the Partnership to include equity securities in any registration statement filed by the Partnership on a basis that is superior in any respect to the piggyback rights granted to the Holders pursuant to Section  2.02 or (ii) permit another holder of securities of the Partnership to participate on a pari passu basis (in terms of priority of cut back based on advice of underwriters) with a Holder requesting registration or takedown in an Underwritten Offering pursuant to Section  2.04(a) .

ARTICLE III

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 3.01 Communications .

All notices and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be made in writing by facsimile, electronic mail, courier service or personal delivery:

(a) if to any Purchaser, to such Purchaser’s address listed on Schedule  A hereof or such other address as such Purchaser shall have specified by written notice to the Partnership;

(b) if to a transferee of a Purchaser, to such Holder at the address provided pursuant to Section  2.11 above; and

(c) if to the Partnership:

NuStar Energy L.P.

19003 IH-10 West

San Antonio, TX 78257

Attention: Amy L. Perry

Email: Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

 

19


with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Sidley Austin LLP

1000 Louisiana St.

Suite 6000

Houston, TX 77002

Attention: George J. Vlahakos

Email: gvlahakos@sidley.com

All such notices and communications shall be deemed to have been received at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; when receipt acknowledged, if sent via facsimile or sent via electronic mail; and when actually received, if sent by courier service or any other means.

Section 3.02 Successor and Assigns .

This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of each of the parties, including subsequent Holders of Registrable Securities to the extent permitted herein.

Section 3.03 Assignment of Rights .

All or any portion of the rights and obligations of any Purchaser under this Agreement may be transferred or assigned by such Purchaser only in accordance with Section  2.11 hereof.

Section 3.04 Recapitalization, Exchanges, Etc. Affecting the Common Units .

The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the full extent set forth herein with respect to any and all units of the Partnership or any successor or assign of the Partnership (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of assets or otherwise) that may be issued in respect of, in exchange for or in substitution of, the Registrable Securities, and shall be appropriately adjusted for combinations, unit splits, recapitalizations, pro  rata distributions of units and the like occurring after the date of this Agreement.

Section 3.05 Aggregation of Registrable Securities .

All Registrable Securities held or acquired by Persons who are Affiliates of one another shall be aggregated together for the purpose of determining the availability of any rights and applicability of any obligations under this Agreement.

Section 3.06 Specific Performance .

Damages in the event of breach of this Agreement by a party hereto may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain, and it is therefore agreed that each such Person, in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, shall have the right to an injunction or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, enjoining any such breach, and enforcing specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and each of the parties hereto hereby waives any and all defenses it may have on the ground of lack of jurisdiction or competence of the court to grant such an injunction or other equitable relief. The existence of this right shall not preclude any such Person from pursuing any other rights and remedies at law or in equity that such Person may have.

 

20


Section 3.07 Counterparts .

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, including facsimile or .pdf counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Agreement.

Section 3.08 Headings .

The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

Section 3.09 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction .

This Agreement, including all issues and questions concerning its application, construction, validity, interpretation and enforcement, shall be construed in accordance with, and governed by, the laws of the State of Delaware. The Parties hereby submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any U.S. federal or state court located in the State of Delaware in any action, suit or proceeding arising out of or based upon this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby. The Parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each of the Parties hereto agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

Section 3.10 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY WAIVE, AND AGREE TO CAUSE THEIR AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

Section 3.11 Severability of Provisions .

Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining provisions hereof or affecting or impairing the validity or enforceability of such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

21


Section 3.12 Entire Agreement .

This Agreement, the Purchase Agreement and the other agreements and documents referred to herein are intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein, in the Purchase Agreement or in the other agreements and documents referred to herein with respect to the rights granted by the Partnership or any of its Affiliates or the Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates set forth herein or therein. This Agreement, the Purchase Agreement and the other agreements and documents referred to herein or therein supersede all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.

Section 3.13 Amendment .

This Agreement may be amended only by means of a written amendment signed by the Partnership and the Holders of at least the Registrable Securities Required Voting Percentage; provided , however , that no such amendment shall materially and adversely affect the rights of any Holder hereunder without the consent of such Holder.

Section 3.14 No Presumption .

If any claim is made by a party relating to any conflict, omission or ambiguity in this Agreement, no presumption or burden of proof or persuasion shall be implied by virtue of the fact that this Agreement was prepared by or at the request of a particular party or its counsel.

Section 3.15 Obligations Limited to Parties to Agreement .

Each of the parties hereto covenants, agrees and acknowledges that no Person other than the Purchasers (and their permitted transferees and assignees), the Holders and the Partnership shall have any obligation hereunder. Notwithstanding that one or more of such Persons may be a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, no recourse under this Agreement or under any documents or instruments delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be had against any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate of any of such Persons or any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate thereof, whether by the enforcement of any assessment or by any legal or equitable proceeding, or by virtue of any applicable Law, it being expressly agreed and acknowledged that no personal liability whatsoever shall attach to, be imposed on or otherwise be incurred by any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate of any of such Persons or any former, current or future director, officer, employee, agent, general or limited partner, manager, member, stockholder or Affiliate thereof, as such, for any obligations of such Persons under this Agreement or any documents or instruments delivered in connection herewith or therewith or for any claim based on, in respect of or by reason of such obligation or its creation, except in each case for any transferee or assignee of a Purchaser or a Holder hereunder.

 

22


Section 3.16 Independent Nature of Purchaser’s Obligations .

The obligations of each Purchaser under this Agreement are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under this Agreement. Nothing contained herein, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of group or entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including, the rights arising out of this Agreement, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

Section 3.17 Interpretation .

Article and Section references are to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, contracts and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” or words of similar import shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Whenever any determination, consent or approval is to be made or given by a Purchaser under this Agreement, such action shall be in such Purchaser’s sole discretion unless otherwise specified. Unless expressly set forth or qualified otherwise ( e.g. , by “ Business ” or “ Trading ”), all references herein to a “day” are deemed to be a reference to a calendar day.

[ signature page follows ]

 

23


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto execute this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.

 

PARTNERSHIP:
NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.
By:  

Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.,

its General Partner

By:  

NuStar GP, LLC,

its General Partner

 

By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


PURCHASERS
EIG NOVA EQUITY AGGREGATOR, L.P.
By:  

EIG Nova Equity GP, LLC,

its general partner

By:  

EIG Asset Management, LLC,

its managing member

 

  By:   /s/ Richard K. Punches, II
  Name:   Richard K. Punches, II
  Title:   Managing Director

 

  By:   /s/ Matthew Hartman
  Name:   Matthew Hartman
  Title:   Senior Vice President

 

FS ENERGY AND POWER FUND
By:  

FS/EIG Advisor, LLC

its Investment Advisor

 

  By:   /s/ Richard K. Punches, II
  Name:   Richard K. Punches, II
  Title:   Authorized Person

 

  By:   /s/ Matthew Hartman
  Name:   Matthew Hartman
  Title:   Authorized Person

Signature Page to Registration Rights Agreement


SCHEDULE A

Purchaser Name; Notice and Contact Information

 

Purchaser

  

Contact Information

EIG Nova Equity Aggregator, L.P.   

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

333 Clay Street, Suite 3500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attn: Matthew Hartman

CC: Austin Pearson

Email: Matthew.Hartman@eigpartners.com

CC: Austin.Pearson@eigpartners.com

Telephone (M. Hartman): (713) 615-7412

Telephone (A. Pearson): (713) 615-7431

FS Energy and Power Fund   

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006

Attn: Eric Long

CC: Andrew P. Jamison

Email: eric.long@eigpartners.com

CC: andy.jamison@eigpartners.com

Telephone (E. Long): (202) 600-3693

Telephone (A. Jamison): (202) 600-3380

Exhibit 10.1

Execution Version

SERIES D CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNIT

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

among

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.

and

THE PURCHASERS PARTY HERETO

June 26, 2018


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1  

Section 1.01

   Definitions      1  

Section 1.02

   Accounting Procedures and Interpretation      8  

ARTICLE II AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE

     9  

Section 2.01

   Sale and Purchase      9  

Section 2.02

   Closing      9  

Section 2.03

   Mutual Conditions at the Initial Closing      9  

Section 2.04

   Conditions to Each Purchaser’s Obligations at the Initial Closing      10  

Section 2.05

   Conditions to the Partnership’s Obligations at the Initial Closing      10  

Section 2.06

   Deliveries at the Initial Closing      11  

Section 2.07

   Mutual Conditions at the Second Closing      12  

Section 2.08

   Conditions to Each Purchaser’s Obligations at the Second Closing      13  

Section 2.09

   Conditions to the Partnership’s Obligations at the Second Closing      14  

Section 2.10

   Independent Nature of Purchasers’ Obligations and Rights      15  

Section 2.11

   Further Assurances      15  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS RELATED TO THE PARTNERSHIP

     15  

Section 3.01

   Existence      15  

Section 3.02

   Capitalization and Valid Issuance of Units      16  

Section 3.03

   Ownership of the Material Subsidiaries      18  

Section 3.04

   NS SEC Documents      18  

Section 3.05

   Financial Statements      18  

Section 3.06

   Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm      19  

Section 3.07

   No Material Adverse Change      19  

Section 3.08

   No Registration Required      19  

Section 3.09

   No Restrictions or Registration Rights      19  

Section 3.10

   Litigation      19  

Section 3.11

   No Default      20  

Section 3.12

   No Conflicts      20  

Section 3.13

   Authority; Enforceability      20  

Section 3.14

   Approvals      21  

Section 3.15

   Distribution Restrictions      21  

Section 3.16

   MLP Status      21  

Section 3.17

   Investment Company Status      21  

Section 3.18

   Certain Fees      22  

Section 3.19

   Labor and Employment Matters      22  

Section 3.20

   Insurance      22  

Section 3.21

   Internal Controls      22  

Section 3.22

   Disclosure Controls and Procedures      22  

Section 3.23

   Sarbanes-Oxley      23  

Section 3.24

   Listing and Maintenance Requirements      23  

 

i


Section 3.25

   Environmental Compliance      23  

Section 3.26

   ERISA Compliance      23  

Section 3.27

   Tax Returns; Taxes      24  

Section 3.28

   Permits      24  

Section 3.29

   Required Disclosures and Descriptions      24  

Section 3.30

   Title to Property      24  

Section 3.31

   Rights-of-Way      25  

Section 3.32

   Form S-3 Eligibility      25  

Section 3.33

   FCPA      25  

Section 3.34

   Money Laundering Laws      26  

Section 3.35

   OFAC      26  

Section 3.36

   Related Party Transactions      26  

Section 3.37

   No Side Agreements      26  

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASERS

     27  

Section 4.01

   Existence      27  

Section 4.02

   Authorization; Enforceability      27  

Section 4.03

   No Breach      27  

Section 4.04

   Certain Fees      27  

Section 4.05

   Unregistered Securities      27  

Section 4.06

   Sufficient Funds      29  

Section 4.07

   No Prohibited Trading      29  

ARTICLE V COVENANTS

     29  

Section 5.01

   Conduct of Business      29  

Section 5.02

   Listing of Units      30  

Section 5.03

   Lock-up Agreement      30  

Section 5.04

   Tax Matters      31  

Section 5.05

   Use of Proceeds      32  

ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION, COSTS AND EXPENSES

     32  

Section 6.01

   Indemnification by the Partnership      32  

Section 6.02

   Indemnification by the Purchasers      32  

Section 6.03

   Indemnification Procedure      33  

Section 6.04

   Tax Matters      34  

ARTICLE VII TERMINATION

     34  

Section 7.01

   Termination      34  

Section 7.02

   Certain Effects of Termination      35  

ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS

     35  

Section 8.01

   Expenses      35  

Section 8.02

   Interpretation      35  

Section 8.03

   Survival of Provisions      36  

Section 8.04

   No Waiver: Modifications in Writing      36  

Section 8.05

   Binding Effect; Assignment      37  

 

ii


Section 8.06

   Non-Disclosure      37  

Section 8.07

   Communications      38  

Section 8.08

   Removal of Legend      38  

Section 8.09

   Entire Agreement      39  

Section 8.10

   Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction      39  

Section 8.11

   Waiver of Jury Trial      40  

Section 8.12

   Exclusive Remedy      40  

Section 8.13

   No Recourse Against Others      41  

Section 8.14

   No Third-Party Beneficiaries      41  

Section 8.15

   Execution in Counterparts      41  

 

iii


SERIES D CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNIT

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This SERIES D CUMULATIVE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED UNIT PURCHASE AGREEMENT , dated as of June 26, 2018 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and among NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”) and the purchasers set forth in Schedule  A hereto (the “ Purchasers ”).

WHEREAS , the Partnership desires to issue and sell to the Purchasers, and the Purchasers desire to purchase from the Partnership, the Series D Preferred Units (as defined below), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS , the Partnership has agreed to provide the Purchasers with certain registration rights with respect to the Series D Preferred Units, the PIK Units (as defined below) and the Conversion Units (as defined below).

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section  1.01 Definitions . Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, terms shall have the same meaning as in the Partnership Agreement (as defined below). As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question (provided that no portfolio company of such Person shall be considered an Affiliate of such Person). As used herein, the term “control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, (a) the Partnership Entities, on the one hand, and any Purchaser, on the other, shall not be considered Affiliates and (b) with respect to any Purchaser that is an investment fund, investment account or investment company, any other investment fund, investment account or investment company that is managed, advised or sub-advised by the same investment advisor as such Purchaser or by an Affiliate of such investment advisor, shall be considered controlled by, and an Affiliate of, such Purchaser.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, any federal legal holiday or day on which banking institutions in the State of New York or State of Texas are authorized or required by Law or other governmental action to close.

Closing Date ” means each of the Initial Closing Date and the Second Funding Closing Date.

 

1


Code ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.16 .

Committed Investment Amount ” means $590 million.

Common Equity Market Capitalization ” means an amount equal to the product of the number of issued and outstanding Common Units and the average high and low sales price of the Common Units for the date immediately preceding the date of the Second Closing.

Common Units ” means common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership.

Confidentiality Agreements ” means any confidentiality agreement entered into by the Partnership and any of the Purchasers or their Affiliates, as applicable, as may be amended from time to time.

Consent ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.14 .

Contract ” means any contract, agreement, indenture, note, bond, mortgage, deed of trust, loan, instrument, lease, license, commitment or other arrangement, understanding, undertaking, commitment or obligation, whether written or oral.

Conversion Units ” means the Common Units issuable upon conversion of the Series D Preferred Units or PIK Units.

Delaware LLC Act ” means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, as amended from time to time.

Delaware LP Act ” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, as amended from time to time.

Disclosure Letter ” means the disclosure letter provided by the Partnership to the Purchasers dated as of the date hereof.

EIG ” means collectively, EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC.

Environmental Laws ” means any and all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health and safety and the environment or imposing liability or standards of conduct concerning any Hazardous Materials.

ERISA ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.26 .

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

FCPA ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.33 .

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

 

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General Partner ” means Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., the general partner of the Partnership.

Governmental Authority ” means, with respect to a particular Person, any country, state, county, city and political subdivision in which such Person or such Person’s Property is located or which exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property, and any court, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, official or other regulatory authority (including self-regulated organizations or other non-governmental regulatory authorities) or instrumentality of any of them and any monetary authority which exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property. Unless otherwise specified, all references to Governmental Authority herein with respect to the Partnership mean a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Partnership Entities or any of their respective Properties.

GP Partnership Agreement ” means the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the General Partner, dated as of April 16, 2001, as amended from time to time.

Hazardous Materials ” means (A) any “hazardous substance” as defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, (B) any “hazardous waste” as defined in the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended, (C) any petroleum or petroleum product, (D) any polychlorinated biphenyl and (E) any pollutant or contaminant or hazardous, dangerous or toxic chemical, material, waste or substance regulated under or within the meaning of any other Environmental Law.

Incentive Distribution Rights ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.02(a) .

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.03(b) .

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.03(b) .

Information Rights Agreement ” means the Information Rights Agreement, to be entered into at the Initial Closing, between the Partnership and EIG, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit  D .

Initial Closing ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02 .

Initial Closing Date ” means June 29, 2018, or such other later date as the Partnership and the Purchasers shall agree to in writing.

Initial Funding Amount ” means, with respect to a particular Purchaser, an amount equal to the Series D Preferred Unit Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Series D Preferred Units to be purchased by such Purchaser on the Initial Closing Date pursuant to Section  2.01(a) .

Initial Purchase Price ” means $399,999,992.58.

Knowledge ” means, with respect to the NuStar Parties, the actual knowledge of Brad Barron, Tom Shoaf and Daniel Oliver.

 

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Law ” means any statute, law ordinance, regulation, rule, order, code, governmental restriction, decree, injunction or other requirement of law, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, lien (statutory or otherwise), encumbrance, security interest, security agreement, conditional sale, trust receipt, charge or claim or a lease, consignment or bailment, preference or priority, assessment, deed of trust, easement, servitude or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any property of any kind.

Mandate Letter ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.37 .

Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, effect, event or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (a) the business, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Partnership Entities, taken as a whole or (b) the ability of any of the Partnership Entities, as applicable, to perform their obligations under the Transaction Documents; provided, however , that any adverse changes, effects, events or occurrences resulting from or due to any of the following shall be disregarded in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect: (i) changes, effects, events or occurrences generally affecting the United States or global economy, the financial, credit, debt, securities or other capital markets or political, legislative or regulatory conditions or changes in the industries in which the Partnership Entities operate (including changes, effects, events or occurrences generally affecting the prices of commodities); (ii) changes in any Laws or regulations applicable to the Partnership Entities or applicable accounting regulations or principles or the interpretation thereof, to the extent not directly and exclusively impacting the Partnership Entities; (iii) acts of war or terrorism (or the escalation of the foregoing) or natural disasters or other acts of God; (iv) any change in the market price or trading volume of the securities of the Partnership Entities (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not preclude any other Party to this Agreement from asserting that any facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to such change that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect should be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect); (v) any failure of any of the Partnership Entities to meet any internal or external projections, forecasts or estimates of revenues, earnings or other financial or operating metrics for any period (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not preclude any other Party to this Agreement from asserting that any facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to such change that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect should be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect); (vi) any legal proceedings commenced by or involving any current or former holder of equity interests in the Partnership (on their own or on behalf of the Partnership) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby; (vii) any nonpayment or nonperformance by Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. that results in a loss of revenues or increased liabilities to the Partnership; and (viii) the execution, announcement or pendency of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or of a reduction in the quarterly distribution of the Partnership Entities (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not preclude any other Party to this Agreement from asserting that any facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to such change that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect should be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect).

 

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Material Subsidiary Operative Document ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.03 .

Material Subsidiaries ” means each of the Partnership’s “significant subsidiaries,” as defined in Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X under the Exchange Act.

Merger Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 7, 2018 by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, NuStar GP, Marshall Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership, NSH and Riverwalk Holdings, as may be amended from time to time.

Money Laundering Laws ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.34 .

National Securities Exchange ” means an exchange registered with the SEC under Section 6(a) of the Securities Exchange Act (or any successor to such Section) and any other securities exchange (whether or not registered with the SEC under Section 6(a) (or successor to such Section) of the Securities Exchange Act) that NuStar GP shall designate as a National Securities Exchange for purposes of this Agreement.

Non-Solicitation Side Letter ” means the Non-Solicitation Side Letter, to be entered into at the Initial Closing, between the Partnership, EIG and the Purchasers, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit  E .

NS Preferred Units ” means the Series A Preferred Units, the Series B Preferred Units and the Series C Preferred Units.

NS SEC Documents ” means the Partnership’s forms, registration statements, reports, schedules and statements filed (but not furnished) by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as applicable.

NSH ” NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

NuStar Entities ” means, collectively, the Partnership and the Partnership’s Subsidiaries.

NuStar GP ” means NuStar GP, LLC, the general partner of the General Partner.

NuStar GP LLC Agreement ” means the limited liability company agreement of NuStar GP, dated as of June 5, 2000, as amended from to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

NuStar Parties ” means, collectively, NuStar GP, the General Partner and the Partnership.

NYSE ” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Organizational Documents ” means, as applicable, an entity’s agreement or certificate of limited partnership, limited liability company agreement, certificate of formation, certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other similar organizational documents.

 

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Partnership ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Partnership Agreement ” means the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of November 30, 2017, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof (including, as the context requires, by the Seventh A&R LPA, as it may be further amended and restated from time to time in accordance with its terms including in connection with the merger contemplated by the Merger Agreement).

Partnership Entities ” means, collectively, the NuStar Parties and NuStar Entities.

Partnership Related Parties ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.02 .

PCAOB ” means the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board of the United States.

Permits ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.28 .

Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning specified in Section  5.03 .

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, government or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof or any other form of entity.

Piggyback Registration Rights ” means the rights described in Section  2.02 of the Registration Rights Agreement.

PIK Units ” means any additional Series D Preferred Units issued by the Partnership to the Purchasers as in-kind distributions pursuant to the Seventh A&R LPA.

Plan ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.26 .

Property ” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible (including intellectual property rights).

Purchaser Related Parties ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.01 .

Purchasers ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement, to be entered into at the Initial Closing, between the Partnership the Purchasers, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit  C .

Reimbursable Expenses ” has the meaning specified in Section  8.01 .

Representatives ” means, with respect to a specified Person, the investors, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, advisors, counsel, accountants, investment bankers and other representatives of such Person.

Revolving Credit Agreement ” means the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2013, among NSH and the lenders party thereto, as amended.

 

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Rights-of-Way ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.31 .

Riverwalk Holdings ” means Riverwalk Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of NSH.

Sanctions ” has the meaning specified in Section  3.35 .

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Second Closing ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02 .

Second Funding Closing Date ” means July 13, 2018, or such other later date as the Partnership and the Purchasers shall agree to in writing.

Second Closing Eligible ” means that the Partnership (i) is in compliance with all covenants contained in its outstanding debt and preferred unit instruments and (ii) has a Common Equity Market Capitalization of at least $1.5 billion.

Second Closing Purchase Price ” means $189,999,984.42.

Second Closing Funding Amount ” means, with respect to a particular Purchaser, an amount equal to the Series D Preferred Unit Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Series D Preferred Second Closing Units to be purchased by such Purchaser on the Second Funding Closing Date pursuant to Section  2.01(b) .

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Series  A Preferred Units ” shall mean the 8.50% Series A Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units issued by the Partnership.

Series  B Preferred Units ” shall mean the 7.625% Series B Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units issued by the Partnership.

Series  C Preferred Units ” shall mean the 9.00% Series C Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units issued by the Partnership.

Series  D Preferred Initial Closing Units ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2.01(a) .

Series  D Preferred Second Closing Units ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2.01(b) .

Series  D Preferred Unit Purchase Price ” shall mean $25.38.

Series  D Preferred Units ” means the Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units to be issued by the Partnership.

Seventh A&R LPA ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.06(a)(ii) .

 

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Subsidiary ” means, as to any Person, any corporation or other entity of which: (a) such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person is a general partner or, in the case of a limited liability company, the managing member or manager thereof; (b) at least a majority of the outstanding equity interest having by the terms thereof ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body of such corporation or other entity (irrespective of whether or not at the time any equity interest of any other class or classes of such corporation or other entity shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of any contingency) is at the time directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Person or one or more of its Subsidiaries; or (c) any corporation or other entity as to which such Person consolidates for accounting purposes.

Tax Return ” means any return, report or similar filing (including the attached schedules) filed or required to be filed with respect to Taxes (and any amendments thereto), including any information return, claim for refund or declaration of estimated Taxes.

Taxes ” means any and all domestic or foreign, federal, state, local or other taxes of any kind (together with any and all interest, penalties, additions to tax and additional amounts imposed with respect thereto) imposed by any Governmental Authority, including taxes on or with respect to income, franchises, windfall or other profits, gross receipts, property, sales, use, capital stock, payroll, employment, unemployment, social security, workers’ compensation or net worth, and taxes in the nature of excise, withholding, ad valorem or value added, and including any liability in respect of any items described above as a transferee or successor, pursuant to Section 1.1502-6 of the Treasury Regulations (or any similar provisions of state, local or foreign Law), or as an indemnitor, guarantor, surety or in a similar capacity under any Contract.

Third-Party Claim ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.03(b) .

Total Funding Amount ” means, with respect to a particular Purchaser, an amount equal to the sum of (a) the Series D Preferred Unit Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units to be purchased by such Purchaser and (b) the Series D Preferred Unit Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Series D Preferred Second Closing Units to be purchased by such Purchaser.

Trading Day ” means a day on which the principal National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are listed or admitted to trading is open for the transaction of business or, if such Common Units are not listed or admitted to trading on any National Securities Exchange, a day on which banking institutions in New York City generally are open.

Transaction Documents ” means, collectively, this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Seventh A&R LPA, the Information Rights Agreement, the Non-Solicitation Side Letter and any and all other agreements or instruments executed and delivered in connection with the Initial Closing.

VWAP ” means the volume weighted average trading price.

Section  1.02 Accounting Procedures and Interpretation . Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements of the Partnership and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished to the Purchasers hereunder shall be

 

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prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q promulgated by the SEC) and in compliance as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto.

ARTICLE II

AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE

Section  2.01 Sale and Purchase .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Initial Closing, each Purchaser hereby agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Partnership, and the Partnership hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, such Purchaser’s respective Series D Preferred Units, as set forth next to such Purchaser’s name on Schedule A hereto (the “ Series  D Preferred Initial Closing Units ”), upon receipt by the Partnership of the Initial Purchase Price on the Initial Closing Date; and

(b) subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Second Closing, each Purchaser hereby agrees, severally and not jointly, to purchase from the Partnership, and the Partnership hereby agrees to issue and sell to each Purchaser, such Purchaser’s respective Series D Preferred Units, as set forth next to such Purchaser’s name on Schedule  A hereto (the “ Series  D Preferred Second Closing Units ”), upon receipt by the Partnership of the Second Closing Purchase Price on the Second Funding Closing Date.

Section  2.02 Closing . The consummation of each of (i) the purchase and sale of the Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units (the “ Initial Closing ”) and (ii) the purchase and sale of the Series D Preferred Second Closing Units (the “ Second Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Sidley Austin LLP, 1000 Louisiana St., Suite 6000, Houston, Texas 77002 (or such other location as agreed to by the Partnership and the Purchasers).

Section  2.03 Mutual Conditions at the Initial Closing . The respective obligations of each party to consummate the purchase and sale of the Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units at the Initial Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Initial Closing Date, of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by a party on behalf of itself in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) no statute, rule, order, decree or regulation shall have been enacted or promulgated, and no action shall have been taken, by any Governmental Authority which temporarily, preliminarily or permanently restrains, precludes, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or under the other Transaction Documents or makes the transactions contemplated hereby or under the other Transaction Documents illegal; and

(b) there shall not be pending any suit, action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority seeking to restrain, preclude, enjoin or prohibit the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.

 

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Section  2.04 Conditions to Each Purchaser s Obligations at the Initial Closing . The obligation of a Purchaser to consummate its purchase of Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Initial Closing Date of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by the applicable Purchaser with respect to itself in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) the representations and warranties of the Partnership contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties contained in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , Section  3.03 , Section  3.13 , Section  3.16 or Section  3.18 or other representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of the Initial Closing Date (except that representations and warranties made as of a specific date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only);

(b) the Partnership shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Initial Closing Date;

(c) the NYSE shall have authorized, upon official notice of issuance, the listing of the Conversion Units;

(d) no notice of delisting from the NYSE shall have been received by the Partnership with respect to the Common Units;

(e) there shall not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect; and

(f) the Partnership shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to the Purchaser the Partnership’s closing deliverables described in Section  2.06(a) , as applicable.

Section  2.05 Conditions to the Partnership s Obligations at the Initial Closing . The obligation of the Partnership to consummate the sale and issuance of the Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units to each Purchaser shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Initial Closing Date of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by the Partnership in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) the representations and warranties of each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of the Initial Closing Date (except that representations and warranties made as of a specific date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only);

(b) each Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Initial Closing Date; and

(c) each Purchaser shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to the Partnership the applicable closing deliverables described in Section  2.06(b) , as applicable.

 

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Section  2.06 Deliveries at the Initial Closing .

(a) Deliveries of the Partnership at the Initial Closing . At the Initial Closing, the Partnership shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Purchasers:

(i) An opinion from Sidley Austin LLP, counsel for the Partnership, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit  A , which shall be addressed to the Purchasers and dated the Initial Closing Date;

(ii) A fully executed copy of the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit  B (the “ Seventh A&R LPA ”);

(iii) An executed counterpart of the Registration Rights Agreement;

(iv) An executed counterpart of the Non-Solicitation Side Letter;

(v) An executed counterpart of the Information Rights Agreement;

(vi) A fully executed “Supplemental Listing Application” approving the Conversion Units for listing by the NYSE, upon official notice of issuance;

(vii) A fully executed waiver of NuStar GP with respect to its rights under Section 5.7 of the Partnership Agreement, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit  F ;

(viii) Evidence of issuance of the Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units credited to book-entry accounts maintained by the transfer agent of the Partnership, bearing a restrictive notation meeting the requirements of the Partnership Agreement, free and clear of any Liens, other than transfer restrictions under this Agreement, the Partnership Agreement or the Delaware LP Act and applicable federal and state securities Laws and those created by the Purchasers;

(ix) A certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of NuStar GP, on behalf of the Partnership, dated the Initial Closing Date, certifying as to and attaching (A) the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership, (B) the Partnership Agreement, (C) board resolutions, or resolutions of a committee thereof, authorizing the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, and (D) the incumbency of the officers authorized to execute the Transaction Documents on behalf of the Partnership or NuStar GP, as applicable, setting forth the name and title and bearing the signatures of such officers;

(x) A certificate of the Secretary of State of each applicable state, dated within ten Business Days prior to the Initial Closing Date, to the effect that each of the Partnership and its Material Subsidiaries (other than NuStar Terminals N.V., a private limited liability company duly established under the laws of the Netherlands Antilles and validly existing under the laws of the Netherlands and the BES-Islands) is in good standing in its jurisdiction of formation;

 

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(xi) A certificate of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NuStar GP, on behalf of the Partnership, dated the Initial Closing Date, certifying, in such capacity, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section  2.04(a) and Section  2.04(b) contained herein have been satisfied; and

(xii) A cross-receipt executed by the Partnership and delivered to the Purchasers certifying as to the amounts that it has received from the Purchasers.

(b) Deliveries of the Purchasers at the Initial Closing . At the Initial Closing, the Purchasers, shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Partnership:

(i) A counterpart of the Registration Rights Agreement, which shall have been duly executed by each Purchaser;

(ii) A counterpart of the Non-Solicitation Side Letter, which shall have been duly executed by each Purchaser and EIG;

(iii) A cross-receipt executed by each Purchaser and delivered to the Partnership certifying that each Purchaser has received from the Partnership the number of Series D Preferred Initial Closing Units to be received by such Purchaser in connection with the Initial Closing;

(iv) a certificate of an authorized officer of each Purchaser, dated the Initial Closing Date, in his or her applicable capacity, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section  2.05(a) and Section  2.05(b) have been satisfied;

(v) Payment of each Purchaser’s Initial Funding Amount payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in advance of the Initial Closing Date by the Partnership; and

(vi) A properly executed Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 from each Purchaser.

Section  2.07 Mutual Conditions at the Second Closing . The respective obligations of each party to consummate the purchase and sale of the Series D Preferred Second Closing Units at the Second Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Second Funding Closing Date, of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by a party on behalf of itself in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) no statute, rule, order, decree or regulation shall have been enacted or promulgated, and no action shall have been taken, by any Governmental Authority which temporarily, preliminarily or permanently restrains, precludes, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or under the other Transaction Documents or makes the transactions contemplated hereby or under the other Transaction Documents illegal; and

(b) there shall not be pending any suit, action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority seeking to restrain, preclude, enjoin or prohibit the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.

 

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Section  2.08 Conditions to Each Purchaser s Obligations at the Second Closing . The obligation of a Purchaser to consummate its purchase of Series D Preferred Second Closing Units shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Second Funding Closing Date of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by the applicable Purchaser with respect to itself in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) the Partnership is Second Closing Eligible;

(b) the representations and warranties of the Partnership contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties contained in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , Section  3.03 , Section  3.13 , Section  3.16 or Section  3.18 or other representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of the Second Funding Closing Date (except that representations and warranties made as of a specific date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only);

(c) the Partnership shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Second Funding Closing Date;

(d) no notice of delisting from the NYSE shall have been received by the Partnership with respect to the Common Units;

(e) there shall not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect; and

(f) the Partnership shall have delivered, or cause to be delivered, to the Purchaser the following documents:

(i) an opinion from Sidley Austin LLP, counsel for the Partnership, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit  A with respect to the Series D Preferred Second Closing Units purchased on the Second Funding Closing Date, which shall be addressed to the Purchasers and dated the Second Funding Closing Date;

(ii) a fully executed “Supplemental Listing Application” approving the Conversion Units, in respect of the Series D Preferred Second Closing Units, for listing by the NYSE, upon official notice of issuance, if needed;

(iii) evidence of issuance of the Series D Preferred Second Closing Units credited to book-entry accounts maintained by the transfer agent of the Partnership, bearing a restrictive notation meeting the requirements of the Partnership Agreement, free and clear of any Liens, other than transfer restrictions under this Agreement, the Partnership Agreement or the Delaware LP Act and applicable federal and state securities Laws and those created by the Purchasers;

(iv) a certificate of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of NuStar GP, on behalf of the Partnership, dated the Second Funding Closing Date, certifying as to and attaching (A) the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership, (B) the Partnership Agreement, (C) board resolutions, or resolutions of a committee thereof, authorizing the execution and

 

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delivery of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, and (D) the incumbency of the officers authorized to execute the Transaction Documents on behalf of the Partnership or NuStar GP, as applicable, setting forth the name and title and bearing the signatures of such officers;

(v) a certificate of the Secretary of State of each applicable state, dated within ten Business Days prior to the Second Funding Closing Date, to the effect that each of the Partnership and its Material Subsidiaries (other than NuStar Terminals N.V., a private limited liability company duly established under the laws of the Netherlands Antilles and validly existing under the laws of the Netherlands and the BES-Islands) is in good standing in its jurisdiction of formation;

(vi) a certificate of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NuStar GP, on behalf of the Partnership, dated the Second Funding Closing Date, certifying, in such capacity, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section  2.08(b) and Section  2.08(c)  contained herein have been satisfied; and

(vii) a cross-receipt executed by the Partnership and delivered to the Purchasers certifying as to the amounts that it has received from the Purchasers.

Section  2.09 Conditions to the Partnership s Obligations at the Second Closing . The obligation of the Partnership to consummate the sale and issuance of the Series D Preferred Second Closing Units to each Purchaser shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Second Funding Closing Date of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by the Partnership in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) the representations and warranties of each Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of the Second Funding Closing Date (except that representations and warranties made as of a specific date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only);

(b) each Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Second Funding Closing Date; and

(c) the Purchasers, shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to the Partnership the following documents:

(i) a cross-receipt executed by each Purchaser and delivered to the Partnership certifying that each Purchaser has received from the Partnership the number of Series D Preferred Second Closing Units to be received by such Purchaser in connection with the Second Closing;

(ii) a certificate of an authorized officer of each Purchaser, dated the Second Funding Closing Date, in his or her applicable capacity, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section  2.09(a) and Section  2.09(b) have been satisfied; and

 

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(iii) payment of each Purchaser’s Second Closing Funding Amount payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in advance of the Second Funding Closing Date by the Partnership.

Section  2.10 Independent Nature of Purchasers Obligations and Rights . The obligations of each Purchaser under any Transaction Document are several and not joint with the obligations of any other Purchaser, and no Purchaser shall be responsible in any way for the performance of the obligations of any other Purchaser under any Transaction Document. The failure of any Purchaser to perform, or waiver by the Partnership of such performance, under any Transaction Document shall not excuse performance by any other Purchaser and such waiver shall not excuse performance by the Partnership with respect to any other Purchaser. Similarly, the waiver by any Purchaser of performance of the Partnership under any Transaction Document shall not excuse performance by the Partnership with respect to any other Purchaser and such waiver shall not excuse performance by the Purchaser so waiving. Nothing contained herein or in any other Transaction Document, and no action taken by any Purchaser pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute the Purchasers as a partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity, or create a presumption that the Purchasers are in any way acting in concert or as a group with respect to such obligations or the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents. Each Purchaser shall be entitled to independently protect and enforce its rights, including the rights arising out of this Agreement or out of the other Transaction Documents, and it shall not be necessary for any other Purchaser to be joined as an additional party in any proceeding for such purpose.

Section  2.11 Further Assurances . From time to time after the date hereof, without further consideration, the Partnership and each Purchaser shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary or appropriate to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS RELATED TO THE PARTNERSHIP

Except as described in the Disclosure Letter, the Partnership represents and warrants to and covenants with the Purchasers as follows:

Section  3.01 Existence .

(a) Each of the Partnership Entities has been duly formed or incorporated, as the case may be, and is validly existing as a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, and is in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, as the case may be, with full corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company power and authority (i) to own, lease and operate its Properties and to conduct its business as described in the NS SEC Documents, (ii) to execute and deliver this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which such Partnership Entity is a party and consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, (iii) in the case of the Partnership, to issue, sell and deliver the Series D Preferred Units, (iv) in the case of the General Partner, to act as the general partner of the Partnership and (v) in the case of NuStar GP, to act as the general partner of the General Partner.

 

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(b) Each of the Partnership Entities is duly qualified to do business as a foreign limited partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the ownership or lease of its Properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except for any failures to be so qualified and in good standing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, (i) constitute a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) subject the limited partners of the Partnership to any material liability or disability.

(c) The Organizational Documents of each of the Partnership Entities have been, and, on each Closing Date, the Seventh A&R LPA will be, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Partnership Entities, as applicable, and, assuming the due authorization, valid execution and delivery by the other parties thereto (other than the Partnership Entities), each Organizational Document is, and, on each Closing Date, the Seventh A&R LPA will be, a valid and legally binding agreement of the Partnership Entities, as applicable, enforceable against such parties in accordance with its terms; provided that, with respect to each agreement described in this Section  3.01(c) , the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); provided further , that the indemnity, contribution and exoneration provisions contained in any of such agreements may be limited by applicable laws and public policy.

Section  3.02 Capitalization and Valid Issuance of Units .

(a) As of June 22, 2018, the issued and outstanding limited partner interests of the Partnership consist of 93,183,445 Common Units, 9,060,000 Series A Preferred Units, 15,400,000 Series B Preferred Units and 6,900,000 Series C Preferred Units, and the incentive distribution rights (as defined in the Partnership Agreement, the “ Incentive Distribution Rights ”). All outstanding Common Units, NS Preferred Units, Incentive Distribution Rights and the limited partner interests represented thereby were duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and are fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) and non-assessable (except as such non-assessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act). As of the date hereof, there are no, and as of the Initial Closing Date, there will be no, limited partner interests of the Partnership that are senior to, in right of distribution or liquidation, the Series D Preferred Units.

(b) NSH is the sole member of NuStar GP and owns 100% of the issued and outstanding membership interests in NuStar GP; such membership interests have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the NuStar GP LLC Agreement, and are fully paid (to the extent required under the NuStar GP LLC Agreement) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 18-607 and 18-804 of the Delaware LLC Act); and NSH owns such membership interests free and clear of all Liens.

(c) NuStar GP is the sole general partner of the General Partner with a 0.1% general partner interest in the General Partner; such general partner interest has been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the GP Partnership Agreement; and NuStar GP owns such general partner interest free and clear of all Liens.

 

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(d) Riverwalk Holdings is the sole limited partner of the General Partner with a 99.9% limited partner interest in the General Partner; such limited partner interest has been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the GP Partnership Agreement and is fully paid (to the extent required under the GP Partnership Agreement) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act); and the Riverwalk Holdings owns such limited partner interest free and clear of all Liens.

(e) As of the date hereof, the General Partner is the sole general partner of the Partnership with a 2% general partner interest and 100% of the Incentive Distribution Rights in the Partnership; such general partner interest and Incentive Distribution Rights have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Partnership Agreement and, in the case of the Incentive Distribution Rights, are fully paid (to the extent required under the Partnership Agreement) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act); and the General Partner owns such general partner interest and Incentive Distribution Rights, in each case, free and clear of all Liens.

(f) As of the date hereof, (i) Riverwalk Holdings and NuStar GP, each a direct wholly owned subsidiary of NSH, own 10,213,894 and 732 Common Units, respectively; and (ii) Riverwalk Holdings and NuStar GP own such limited partner interests free and clear of all Liens, except for Liens arising under or in connection with the Revolving Credit Agreement.

(g) The Series D Preferred Units and the limited partner interests represented thereby will be duly authorized by the Partnership pursuant to the Partnership Agreement prior to the Initial Closing and, when issued and delivered to the Purchasers against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Partnership Agreement) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act) and will be free of any and all Liens and restrictions on transfer, other than (i) restrictions on transfer under the Partnership Agreement, this Agreement or applicable state and federal securities Laws, (ii) with respect to each Purchaser’s Series D Preferred Units and the limited partner interests represented thereby, such Liens as are created by such Purchaser and (iii) such Liens as arise under the Partnership Agreement or the Delaware LP Act.

(h) Except for any such preemptive rights that have been waived, there are no persons entitled to statutory, preemptive or other similar contractual rights to subscribe for the Series D Preferred Units; and, except (i) for the Series D Preferred Units to be issued pursuant to this Agreement, and the PIK Units and the Conversion Units to be issued pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, (ii) for awards issued pursuant to an equity incentive plan approved by the board of directors of NuStar GP, or (iii) as disclosed in the NS SEC Documents or to the Purchasers in writing, no options, warrants or other rights to purchase, agreements or other obligations to issue, or rights to convert any obligations into or exchange any securities for, Partnership securities or ownership interests in the Partnership are outstanding.

 

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(i) Upon issuance in accordance with this Agreement and the Partnership Agreement, the PIK Units and the Conversion Units will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Partnership Agreement) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act) and will be free of any and all Liens and restrictions on transfer, other than (i) restrictions on transfer under the Partnership Agreement, this Agreement or applicable state and federal securities Laws, (ii) with respect to each Purchaser’s PIK Units and Conversion Units, such Liens as are created by such Purchaser and (iii) such Liens as arise under the Partnership Agreement or the Delaware LP Act.

Section  3.03 Ownership of the Material Subsidiaries . As of the date hereof, the Partnership owns directly or indirectly 100% of the outstanding capital stock, membership interests, partnership interests or other equity interests, as the case may be, in each of the Material Subsidiaries; such stock, membership interests, partnership interests or other equity interests have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the Organizational Documents of each applicable Material Subsidiary, as the case may be (the “ Material Subsidiary Operative Document ”), and, except in the case of the general partner interests, are fully paid (to the extent required under the applicable Material Subsidiary Operative Document) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 18-607 and 18-804 of the Delaware LLC Act or Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act, as the case may be); and the Partnership and the direct owner, if applicable, owns all such stock, membership interests, partnership interests or other equity interests, as the case may be, free and clear of all Liens.

Section  3.04 NS SEC Documents . Since January 1, 2017, the NS SEC Documents have been filed on a timely basis. The NS SEC Documents, at the time filed (or in the case of registration statements, solely on the dates of effectiveness), except to the extent corrected by a subsequent NS SEC Document, (a) did not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made in the case of any such documents other than a registration statement, not misleading and (b) complied as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the Securities Act, as the case may be.

Section  3.05 Financial Statements .

(a) The historical financial statements (including the related notes and supporting schedule) contained or incorporated by reference in the NS SEC Documents, (i) comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, (ii) present fairly in all material respects the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the entities purported to be shown thereby on the basis stated therein at the respective dates or for the respective periods and (iii) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods involved, in each case except to the extent disclosed therein. The other financial information of the Partnership Entities, including non-GAAP financial measures, if any, contained or incorporated by reference in the NS SEC Documents has been derived from the accounting records of the Partnership Entities, and fairly presents in all material respects the information purported to be shown thereby. Nothing has come to the attention of the Partnership that has caused it to believe that the statistical and market-related data included in the NS SEC Documents is not based on or derived from sources that are reliable and accurate in all material respects as of the date on which the applicable NS SEC Documents were filed or does not comply in all material respects with Regulation G of the Exchange Act and Item 10 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, to the extent applicable.

 

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(b) Since the date of the most recent balance sheet of the Partnership audited by the Partnership’s auditor, (i) the interactive data in eXtensible Business Reporting Language included or incorporated by reference in the NS SEC Documents fairly presents the information called for in all material respects and has been prepared in accordance with the SEC’s rules and guidelines applicable thereto in all material respects and (ii) the Partnership, based on an annual evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures, is not aware of (A) any significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls over financial reporting that are reasonably likely to adversely affect the ability of the Partnership to record, process, summarize and report financial information, or any material weaknesses in internal controls over financial reporting of the Partnership or (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Partnership.

Section  3.06 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . KPMG LLP, who has audited certain financial statements of the Partnership and its consolidated subsidiaries and Navigator Energy Services, LLC and its subsidiaries, whose reports are incorporated by reference in the NS SEC Documents, is an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act, the Rules and Regulations and the PCAOB and was an independent registered public accounting firm as required by the Securities Act, the Rules and Regulations and the PCAOB during the periods covered by the financial statements on which they reported incorporated by reference in the NS SEC Documents.

Section  3.07 No Material Adverse Change . Since December 31, 2017, except as described in the NS SEC Documents, there has not been any Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.08 No Registration Required . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the applicable Purchaser contained in Article IV , the issuance and sale of the Series D Preferred Units to such Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement is exempt from registration requirements of the Securities Act, and neither the Partnership nor, to the Partnership’s Knowledge, any Person acting on its behalf, has taken nor will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemption.

Section  3.09 No Restrictions or Registration Rights . Except as described in the Partnership Agreement, there are no restrictions upon the voting or transfer of, any equity securities of the Partnership. Except for such rights that will be waived at the Initial Closing or as expressly set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, neither the offering nor sale of the Series D Preferred Units as contemplated by this Agreement gives rise to any rights for or relating to the registration of any Series D Preferred Units or other securities of the Partnership. Except as described in the Partnership Agreement, the Partnership has not granted registration rights to any Person other than the Purchasers that would provide such Person priority over the Purchasers’ rights with respect to any Piggyback Registration Rights.

Section  3.10 Litigation . Except as described in the NS SEC Documents, there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending to which any of the Partnership Entities is a party or of which any property or assets of any of the Partnership Entities are subject that, individually or in the

 

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aggregate, if resolved adversely to any Partnership Entity, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect, and, to the Knowledge of the NuStar Parties, no such proceedings are threatened or contemplated by Governmental Authorities or others.

Section  3.11 No Default . None of the Partnership Entities is in (i) violation of the Organizational Documents (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Seventh A&R LPA), (ii) violation of any statute, law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, order or decrees of any body having jurisdiction over it or (iii) breach or default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such an event) in the performance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any bond, debenture, note or any other evidence of indebtedness or in any agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is subject, which breach, default or violation, in the case of (ii) and (iii), individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would, if continued, reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.12 No Conflicts . None of the offering and sale by the Partnership of the Series D Preferred Units, the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the NuStar Parties or the consummation of any other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, including the execution and delivery of the Seventh A&R LPA, (i) conflicts with or will conflict with, or constitutes or will constitute a violation of, the Organizational Documents of any of the Partnership Entities (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Seventh A&R LPA), (ii) except as provided in the Disclosure Letter, conflicts with or will conflict with, or constitutes or will constitute a breach or violation of, or a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default) under, any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which any of the Partnership Entities is a party or by which any of them are bound or to which any of their respective properties is subject, (iii) violates or will violate any statute, law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, order or decrees of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over any of the Partnership Entities or any of their properties or assets, or (iv) will result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets of any of the Partnership Entities, except, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), for such conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults or Liens as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.13 Authority; Enforceability . The Partnership has all requisite power and authority under the Partnership Agreement and the Delaware LP Act to issue, sell and deliver the Series D Preferred Units, in accordance with and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Partnership Agreement. All limited partnership and limited liability company action, as the case may be, required to be taken by the Partnership Entities or any of their partners or members for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Series D Preferred Units, the execution and delivery of the Transaction Documents and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby shall have been validly taken. No approval from the holders of outstanding Common Units is required under the Partnership Agreement or the rules of the NYSE in connection with the Partnership’s issuance and sale of the Series D Preferred Units to the Purchasers. Each of the Transaction Documents has been duly and validly authorized and has been or, with respect to the Transaction Documents to be delivered at the Initial Closing, will be, validly executed and delivered by the Partnership or the General Partner, as the case may be, and, to the Knowledge of

 

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the NuStar Parties, the other parties thereto. Each of the Transaction Documents constitutes, or will constitute, the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Partnership or the General Partner, as the case may be, and, to the Knowledge of the NuStar Parties, each of the parties thereto, in each case enforceable in accordance with its terms; provided that, with respect to each such agreement, the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws from time to time in effect affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such principles are considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) provided further , that the indemnity, contribution and exoneration provisions contained in any of such agreements may be limited by applicable laws and public policy.

Section  3.14 Approvals . No approval, authorization, consent, waiver, license, qualification, written exemption from, or order of or filing with any Governmental Authority, or of or with any self-regulatory organization or other non-governmental regulatory authority (including, without limitation, the NYSE), or approval of the security holders of the Partnership (each, a “ Consent ”), is required in connection with the issuance and sale of the Series D Preferred Units by the Partnership, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents by the NuStar Parties party hereto or thereto and the consummation by the NuStar Parties of the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, other than Consents (a) required by the SEC or NYSE in connection with the Partnership’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement, (b) required under the state securities or “Blue Sky” Laws, (c) that have been, or prior to the Initial Closing Date or the Second Funding Closing Date, as applicable, will be, obtained and (d) Consents, the absence or omission of which would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.15 Distribution Restrictions . None of the Partnership Entities is currently prohibited, directly or indirectly, from paying any dividends or other distributions, as applicable, to the Partnership, from repaying to the Partnership any loans or advances to such Partnership Entity from the Partnership or from transferring any of such Partnership Entity’s property or assets to the Partnership or any other Partnership Entity of the Partnership, except as (i) described in or contemplated by the Organizational Documents of the Partnership Entities or the NS SEC Documents or the Disclosure Letter or (ii) with respect to any Partnership Entities pending liquidation on the date hereof, where such prohibition would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.16 MLP Status . Except as provided in the Disclosure Letter, the Partnership is, and has been since its formation, properly classified for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a partnership and each Subsidiary is, and has been since its formation, properly classified as a partnership or as an entity disregarded as separate from its owner. For the taxable year including the Partnership’s initial public offering and for each taxable year thereafter, the Partnership has met the gross income requirements of Section 7704(c)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), and otherwise satisfied the requirements for treatment as a “publicly traded partnership” (within the meaning of Section 7704(b) of the Code). The Partnership expects to meet these requirements for its current taxable year.

Section  3.17 Investment Company Status . None of the Partnership Entities is, and as of each Closing Date and, immediately after giving effect to the offer and sale of the Series D Preferred Units and the application of the proceeds therefrom, none of them will be, an “investment company” or a company “controlled by” an “investment company” within the meaning of such term under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

 

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Section  3.18 Certain Fees . No Purchaser is required to pay any broker, finder or investment banker any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission with respect to the sale to such Purchaser of any of the Series D Preferred Units or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as a result of arrangements made by any Partnership Entities. The Partnership agrees that it will indemnify and hold harmless the Purchasers from and against any and all claims, demands, or liabilities for broker’s, finder’s, placement, or other similar fees or commissions incurred by the Partnership Entities or alleged to have been incurred by the Partnership Entities in connection with the sale of the Series D Preferred Units or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section  3.19 Labor and Employment Matters . No labor dispute by the employees that are engaged in the business of any of the Partnership Entities exists or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership, is imminent that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.20 Insurance . The Partnership Entities maintain insurance covering their Properties, operations, personnel and businesses against such losses and risks and in such amounts as is commercially reasonable for the conduct of their respective businesses and the value of their respective Properties. None of the Partnership Entities has received notice from any insurer or agent of such insurer that substantial capital improvements or other expenditures will have to be made in order to continue such insurance. The Partnership Entities are in compliance with the terms of such policies in all material respects, and all such insurance is duly in full force and effect on the date hereof. There are no material claims by the Partnership Entities under any such policy or instrument as to which any insurance company is denying liability or defending under a reservation of rights clause; and the Partnership Entities have not been notified in writing that they will be denied renewal of their existing insurance coverage as and when such coverage expires or will be unable to obtain similar coverage from similar insurers as may be necessary to continue their businesses at a cost that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.21 Internal Controls . Except as described in the NS SEC Documents, the Partnership Entities, taken as a whole, maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (a) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, (b) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets, (c) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization and (d) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

Section  3.22 Disclosure Controls and Procedures . (a) To the extent required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, the Partnership has established and maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act), (b) such disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in the reports to be filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management of the Partnership, including the principal executive officer and

 

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principal financial officer of NuStar GP, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure to be made and (c) to the extent required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, such disclosure controls and procedures are effective in all material respects to perform the functions for which they were established.

Section  3.23 Sarbanes-Oxley . The Partnership and, to the Partnership’s Knowledge, NuStar GP’s directors or officers, in their capacities as such, are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules and regulations promulgated in connection therewith.

Section  3.24 Listing and Maintenance Requirements . The Common Units are listed on the NYSE, and the Partnership has not received any notice of delisting. The issuance and sale of the Series D Preferred Units, the Conversion Units and the PIK Units do not contravene NYSE rules and regulations.

Section  3.25 Environmental Compliance . Each of the Partnership Entities (i) is in compliance with Environmental Laws, (ii) has received all permits, licenses or other approvals required of such entity under applicable Environmental Laws to conduct its businesses, (iii) is in compliance with all terms and conditions of any such permits, licenses or approvals and (iv) does not have any liability in connection with the release into the environment of any Hazardous Material, except where such noncompliance with Environmental Laws, failure to receive required permits, licenses or approvals, failure to comply with the terms and conditions of such permits, licenses or approvals or liability in connection with such releases would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.26 ERISA Compliance . (i) Each “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”)) for which any of the Partnership Entities or any member of the “Controlled Group” (defined as any organization which is a member of a controlled group of corporations within the meaning of Section 414 of the Code) of any of the Partnership Entities would have any liability (each a “ Plan ”) has been maintained in all material respects in compliance with its terms and with the material requirements of all applicable statutes, rules and regulations including ERISA and the Code; (ii) with respect to each Plan subject to Title IV of ERISA (a) no “reportable event” (within the meaning of Section 4043(c) of ERISA and for which the 30-day reporting requirement has not been waived) has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur, (b) no “accumulated funding deficiency” (within the meaning of Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code), whether or not waived, has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur, (c) the fair market value of the assets under each Plan exceeds the present value of all benefits accrued under such Plan (determined on an ongoing basis based on those assumptions used to fund such Plan) and (d) none of the Partnership Entities or any member of the Controlled Group of any of the Partnership Entities has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA (other than contributions to the Plan or premiums to the United States Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation in the ordinary course and without default) in respect of a Plan (including a “multiemployer plan,” within the meaning of Section 4001(c)(3) of ERISA), in each case that, individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect; and (iii) each Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and that is an individually designed plan has been determined by the Internal Revenue Service to be so qualified and nothing has occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, which would cause the loss of such qualification.

 

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Section  3.27 Tax Returns; Taxes . Each of the Partnership Entities has timely filed (taking into account permitted extensions) all federal and state income Tax Returns and all other material Tax Returns and all Taxes owed by the Partnership Entities or for which the Partnership Entities may be liable which are or have become due have been paid in full, except for Taxes that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which the Partnership Entities have set aside on their books adequate reserves. There is no material claim against the Partnership and, no material assessment, deficiency, or adjustment has been asserted, proposed or, to the Knowledge of the Partnership Entities, threatened with respect to any Taxes or Tax Returns of or with respect to the Partnership Entities. No material Tax audits or administrative or judicial proceedings are being conducted, pending or to the knowledge of the Partnership Entities, threatened with respect to the Partnership Entities.

Section  3.28 Permits . Each of the Partnership Entities has such permits, consents, licenses, franchises, certificates and authorizations of Governmental Authorities (“ Permits ”) as are necessary to own its properties and to conduct its businesses in the manner described in the NS SEC Documents, subject to such qualifications as may be set forth in the NS SEC Documents and except for such permits which, if not obtained, would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; each of the Partnership Entities has fulfilled and performed all its material obligations with respect to the Permits which are due to have been fulfilled and performed by such date, and no event has occurred that allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination thereof or would result in any other impairment of the rights of the holder of any such Permits, except for any of the foregoing that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and, except as described in the NS SEC Documents, none of the Permits contain any restriction that is materially burdensome to the Partnership Entities considered as a whole.

Section  3.29 Required Disclosures and Descriptions . There are no legal or governmental proceedings or contracts or other documents of a character required to be described in the NS SEC Documents that are not described and filed as required.

Section  3.30 Title to Property . Each of the Partnership Entities has good and indefeasible title to all real property and good and marketable title to all personal property described in the NS SEC Documents as being owned by them, in each case free and clear of all Liens, encumbrances and defects, except (i) such as are described in the NS SEC Documents, (ii) such as do not materially interfere with the use of such properties taken as a whole as they have been used in the past and are proposed to be used in the future as described, and subject to the limitations contained, in the NS SEC Documents or (iii) such as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; all real property and buildings held under lease or license by the Partnership Entities are held by them under valid and subsisting and enforceable leases or licenses with such exceptions as do not materially interfere with the use of such properties taken as a whole as they have been used in the past and are expected to be used in the future as described in the NS SEC Documents. For purposes of this Agreement, the phrase “good and indefeasible title” to all real property shall mean, with respect to any real property interest, and subject to the terms, conditions, and provisions contained in the realty deeds and leases creating such real property interest, that the ownership,

 

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rights, possession and title in the jurisdiction and locale where the real property interest is located, is in each case legally sufficient in all material respects to conduct the business and operations of the Partnership Entities as described in the NS SEC Documents, as such business and operations relate to the location of such real property interest, and is free and clear of all Liens excepting (in each case) permitted encumbrances, such title defects, and imperfections, limitations, correlative rights, or appurtenant rights or obligations contained in, arising from or created by the instrument under which any of the Partnership Entities hold title to such real property interest or contained in its chain of title thereto, which do not materially and adversely affect current or intended use or operation of the subject real property interest or which are capable of being routinely addressed, cured, avoided or assumed in the ordinary course of business and land management of the Partnership Entities.

Section  3.31 Rights-of-Way . Each of the Partnership Entities has such consents, easements, rights-of-way or licenses from any person (“ Rights - of - Way ”) as are necessary to conduct their business in the manner described in the NS SEC Documents subject to such qualifications as may be set forth in the NS SEC Documents, and except for such Rights-of-Way which, if not obtained, would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect; each of the Partnership Entities has fulfilled and performed all its material obligations with respect to such Rights-of-Way and no event has occurred which allows, or after notice or lapse of time would allow, revocation or termination thereof or would result in any impairment of the rights of the holder of any such Rights-of-Way, except for such revocations, terminations and impairments that would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect; and, except as described in the NS SEC Documents, none of such Rights-of-Way contains any restriction that is materially burdensome to the Partnership Entities considered as a whole.

Section  3.32 Form  S -3 Eligibility . The Partnership is eligible to register the Conversion Units and the Series D Preferred Units for resale by the Purchasers under Form S-3 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Section  3.33 FCPA . None of the Partnership Entities, nor any director or officer, nor to the Knowledge of the NuStar Parties, any agent, employee or Affiliate of any of the Partnership Entities is aware of or has taken any action, directly or indirectly, that would result in a violation by such persons of (i) the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (the “ FCPA ”), including, without limitation, making use of the mails or any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce corruptly in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay or authorization of the payment of any money, or other property, gift, promise to give, or authorization of the giving of anything of value to any “foreign official” (as such term is defined in the FCPA) or any foreign political party or official thereof or any candidate for foreign political office, in contravention of the FCPA; (ii) the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom; or (iii) any similar Law of any other relevant jurisdiction, or the rules or regulations thereunder; and the Partnership Entities have conducted their businesses in compliance with applicable anti-corruption Laws to which they may be subject; and the Partnership Entities and, to the Knowledge of the NuStar Parties, their Affiliates have instituted and maintain policies and procedures designed to ensure, and which are reasonably expected to continue to ensure, continued compliance therewith.

 

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Section  3.34 Money Laundering Laws . The operations of the Partnership Entities are and have been conducted at all times in compliance in all material respects with applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements and the money laundering statutes of jurisdictions where the Partnership Entities conduct business and rules and regulations thereunder and any related or similar rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any Governmental Authority (collectively, the “ Money Laundering Laws ”), and no action, suit or proceeding by or before any court or Governmental Authority or any arbitrator involving any of the Partnership Entities with respect to the Money Laundering Laws is pending or, to the Knowledge of the NuStar Parties, threatened.

Section  3.35 OFAC . None of the Partnership Entities, nor any director or officer, nor to the Knowledge of the NuStar Parties, any agent, employee or Affiliate of any Partnership Entitles, is the subject of any sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department, the United Nations Security Council, the European Union, Her Majesty’s Treasury, or other relevant sanctions authority (collectively, “ Sanctions ”) nor are any of the Partnership Entities controlled by an individual or entity that is currently the subject or target of any Sanctions; and the Partnership will not directly or indirectly use the proceeds of the sale of the Series D Preferred Units, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other Person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any Person or entity, or in any country or territory, that at the time of such financing is the subject of any Sanctions.

Section  3.36 Related Party Transactions . Except as described in the NS SEC Documents, no Partnership Entity has, directly or indirectly (a) extended credit, arranged to extend credit, or renewed any extension of credit, in the form of a personal loan, to or for any director or executive officer of the General Partner or its Affiliates, or to or for any family member or Affiliate of any directors or executive officers of the General Partner or its Affiliates or (b) made any material modification to the term of any personal loan to any director or executive officer of the General Partner or its Affiliates, or any family member or Affiliate of any director or executive officer of the General Partner or its Affiliates.

Section  3.37 No Side Agreements . As of the date hereof, other than that certain Mandate Letter, dated as of May 30, 2018, between the Partnership and EIG Management Company, LLC (the “ Mandate Letter ”), and the Confidentiality Agreement, there are no binding agreements by, among or between (a) the Partnership or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and (b) any Purchaser or any of their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby other than the Transaction Documents, and there are no agreements expressly modifying, amending or waiving any provision of any of the Transaction Documents.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE

PURCHASERS

Each of the Purchasers, severally but not jointly, represents and warrants and covenants to the Partnership as follows with respect to itself:

Section  4.01 Existence . Each Purchaser is duly organized and validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of its state of formation, with all necessary power and authority to own properties and to conduct its business as currently conducted.

Section  4.02 Authorization; Enforceability . Each Purchaser has all necessary legal power and authority to enter into, deliver and perform its obligations under the Transaction Documents to which it is a party. The execution, delivery and performance of such Transaction Documents by such Purchaser and the consummation by it of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly and validly authorized by all necessary legal action, and no further consent or authorization of such Purchaser is required. Each of the Transaction Documents to which such Purchaser is a party has been duly executed and delivered by such Purchaser, where applicable, and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of such Purchaser; provided that, with respect to each such agreement, the enforceability thereof may be limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium or similar Laws from time to time in effect affecting creditors’ rights and remedies generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such principles are considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

Section  4.03 No Breach . The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents to which such Purchaser is a party by such Purchaser and the consummation by such Purchaser of the transactions contemplated thereby will not (a) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement to which such Purchaser is a party or by which such Purchaser is bound or to which any of the property or assets of such Purchaser is subject, (b) conflict with or result in any violation of the provisions of the Organizational Documents of such Purchaser, or (c) violate any Law of any Governmental Authority or body having jurisdiction over such Purchaser or the property or assets of such Purchaser, except in the case of clauses (a) and (c), for such conflicts, breaches, violations or defaults as would not prevent the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such Transaction Documents.

Section  4.04 Certain Fees . No fees or commissions are or will be payable by such Purchaser to brokers, finders or investment bankers with respect to the purchase of any of the Series D Preferred Units or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except for fees or commissions for which the Partnership is not responsible. Each Purchaser agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership from and against any and all claims, demands, or liabilities for broker’s, finder’s, placement, or other similar fees or commissions incurred by such Purchaser, or alleged to have been incurred by such Purchaser in connection with the purchase of the Series D Preferred Units or the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section  4.05 Unregistered Securities .

(a) Accredited Investor Status; Sophisticated Purchaser . Such Purchaser is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and is able to bear the risk of its investment in the Series D Preferred Units, the PIK Units and the Conversion Units, as applicable. Such Purchaser has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the purchase of the Series D Preferred Units and the Conversion Units, as applicable.

 

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(b) Information . Such Purchaser and its Representatives have been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Partnership that have been requested and materials relating to the offer and sale of the Series D Preferred Units and Conversion Units that have been requested by such Purchaser. Such Purchaser and its Representatives have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Partnership. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted at any time by such Purchasers and its Representatives shall modify, amend or affect such Purchasers’ right (i) to rely on the Partnership’s representations and warranties contained in Article III above or (ii) to indemnification or any other remedy based on, or with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of, or compliance with, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in any Transaction Document. Such Purchaser understands that its purchase of the Series D Preferred Units involves a high degree of risk. Such Purchaser has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its acquisition of the Series D Preferred Units.

(c) Residency . Such Purchaser shall cooperate reasonably with the Partnership to provide any information necessary for any applicable securities filings.

(d) Legends . Such Purchaser understands that, until such time as the Series D Preferred Units, the PIK Units and the Conversion Units, as applicable, have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or the Series D Preferred Units are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Series D Preferred Units will bear a restrictive legend as provided in the Partnership Agreement.

(e) Purchase Representation . Such Purchaser is purchasing the Series D Preferred Units for its own account and not with a view to distribution in violation of any Laws. Such Purchaser has been advised and understands that neither the Series D Preferred Units, the PIK Units nor the Conversion Units have been registered under the Securities Act or under the “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction and may be resold only if registered pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Act (or if eligible, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act). Such Purchaser has been advised and understands that the Partnership, in issuing the Series D Preferred Units, is relying upon, among other things, the representations and warranties of such Purchaser contained in this Article IV in concluding that such issuance is a “private offering” and is exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act.

(f) Rule  144 . Such Purchaser understands that there is no public trading market for the Series D Preferred Units or the PIK Units, that none is expected to develop and that the Series D Preferred Units and the PIK Units must be held indefinitely unless and until the Series D Preferred Units, the PIK Units or the Conversion Units, as applicable, are registered under the Securities Act or an exemption from registration is available. Such Purchaser has been advised of and is aware of the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

 

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(g) Reliance by the Partnership . Such Purchaser understands that the Series D Preferred Units are being offered and sold in reliance on a transactional exemption from the registration requirements of federal and state securities Laws and that the Partnership is relying upon the truth and accuracy of the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of such Purchaser set forth herein in order to determine the applicability of such exemptions and the suitability of such Purchaser to acquire the Series D Preferred Units and the PIK Units, and the Conversion Units issuable upon conversion thereof.

Section  4.06 Sufficient Funds . Such Purchaser will have available to it (i) at the Initial Closing sufficient funds to enable such Purchaser to pay in full at the Initial Closing the entire amount of such Purchaser’s Initial Funding Amount in immediately available cash funds, and (ii) at the Second Closing sufficient funds to enable such Purchaser to pay in full at the Second Closing the entire amount of such Purchaser’s Second Closing Funding Amount in immediately available cash funds.

Section  4.07 No Prohibited Trading . Prior to the date hereof, such Purchaser has not (a) other than to a Permitted Transferee, offered, sold, contracted to sell, sold any option or contract to purchase, purchased any option or contract to sell, granted any option, right or warrant to purchase, lent, or otherwise transferred or disposed of, directly or indirectly, any of the Series D Preferred Units, or (b) directly or indirectly engaged in any short sales or other derivative or hedging transactions with respect to the Series D Preferred Units, including by means of any swap or other transaction or arrangement that transfers or that is designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, result in the transfer to another, in whole or in part, of any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Series D Preferred Units, regardless of whether any transaction described in this Section  4.07 is to be settled by delivery of Series D Preferred Units, Common Units or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

Section  5.01 Conduct of Business . During the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on the Second Funding Closing Date, except as described in the Disclosure Letter, each of the Partnership Entities will use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business (other than as contemplated by the Merger Agreement) and (ii) preserve intact its existence and business organization, Permits, goodwill and present business relationships with all material customers, suppliers, licensors, distributors and others having significant business relationships with the Partnership Entities (or any of them), to the extent the Partnership believes in its sole discretion that such relationships are and continue to be beneficial to the Partnership Entities and their businesses; provided , however , that during such period, the Partnership shall provide reasonably prompt written notice to the Purchasers regarding any material adverse developments in respect of the foregoing. Prior to the Second Closing, none of the Partnership Entities will (i) modify, amend or waive in any material respect any provision of the Partnership Agreement that is material to (A) the rights of the Partnership or (B) the rights of the Purchasers, in their capacity as purchasers of the applicable Series D Preferred Units or (ii) authorize, issue or reclassify any (A) equity securities of the Partnership ranking on parity with or senior to the Series D Preferred Units or (B) debt securities of the Partnership convertible into any of the foregoing, in each case without the prior written consent of the Purchasers possessing the right to acquire not less than a majority of the Series D Preferred Units.

 

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Section  5.02 Listing of Units . Prior to the Initial Closing, the Partnership will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain approval for listing, subject to notice of issuance, of the Conversion Units on the NYSE.

Section  5.03 Lock-up Agreement . Without the prior written consent of the Partnership, except as specifically provided in this Agreement or as otherwise provided in the Partnership Agreement, each Purchaser of Series D Preferred Units and its Affiliates shall not, (a) during the period commencing on the Initial Closing Date and ending forty-five (45) days following the Initial Closing Date, offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any Common Units, (b) during the period commencing on the Initial Closing Date and ending on the first anniversary following the Initial Closing Date, offer, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Series D Preferred Units, (c) during the period commencing on the Initial Closing Date and ending on the second anniversary of the Initial Closing Date, directly or indirectly engage in any short sales or other derivative or hedging transactions with respect to any equity securities of the Partnership, (d) transfer any Series D Preferred Units to any non-U.S. resident individual, non-U.S. corporation or partnership, or any other non-U.S. entity, including any foreign governmental entity, including by means of any swap or other transaction or arrangement that transfers or that is designed to, or that might reasonably be expected to, result in the transfer to another, in whole or in part, of any of the economic consequences of ownership of any Series D Preferred Units, regardless of whether any transaction described in clauses (b) through (d) above is to be settled by delivery of Series D Preferred Units, Common Units or other securities, in cash or otherwise, (e) effect any transfer of Series D Preferred Units or Conversion Units in a manner that violates the terms of the Partnership Agreement, or (f) transfer any Series D Preferred Units to a competitor (as defined in the Seventh A&R LPA); provided , however , that such Purchaser may pledge all or any portion of its Series D Preferred Units to any holders of obligations owned by such Purchaser, including to the trustee for, or Representative of, such Purchaser; provided , further , that such Purchaser may transfer any Series D Preferred Units to (i) an Affiliate of such Purchaser, (ii) any other Purchaser or (iii) any of the Persons listed on Schedule  C hereto (each, a “ Permitted Transferee ”), in each case subject to compliance with clauses (c), (d), (e) and (f) above and provided that (x) the Partnership is given written notice prior to any said transfer or assignment made prior to the Series D Initial Distribution Date (as defined in the Partnership Agreement), stating the name and address of each such transferee or assignee and identifying the securities with respect to which such transfer or assignment is being made and (y) such Person agrees to be bound by the provisions of this Section  5.03 . After the first anniversary of the Initial Closing Date, each Purchaser or holder may only transfer Series D Preferred Units involving an underlying value of Common Units in an amount not less than $50 million based on the closing trading price of Common Units on the date immediately preceding such transfer on the NYSE or other National Securities Exchange on which the Common Units are then listed for trading (or such lesser amount if it (x) constitutes the remaining holdings of the Purchaser or holder or (y) has been approved by the General Partner, in its sole discretion), subject to compliance with applicable securities Laws, the Partnership Agreement and, for the avoidance of doubt, clause (c), (d), (e) and (f) above.

 

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Section  5.04 Tax Matters .

(a) The Partnership will (i) treat the conversion of the Series D Preferred Units into Common Units (or payment of Common Units with respect to the Partnership’s redemption of the Series D Preferred Units) as an exercise of a noncompensatory option within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.761-3 and the Partnership will use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Purchasers to minimize the recognition of the taxable income by the Purchasers on such conversion or redemption (including by providing the information described in Section  5.04(b) and cooperating with Purchaser to avoid or minimize corrective allocations pursuant to Section 6.2(i) of the Partnership Agreement (or similar allocations of taxable income) in connection with such conversion or redemption) and (ii) in connection with an acquisition, conveyance, exchange, merger, transfer or other plan which causes the Partnership (or a successor to the Partnership) to be taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Purchasers or Affiliates holding Series D Preferred Units or Common Units issued upon the conversion or redemption of Series D Preferred Units to allow an entity that is classified as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is directly or indirectly owned by a Purchaser or its Affiliate (a “blocker corporation”) to merge into or otherwise combine with the corporation in a tax-deferred transaction; provided such blocker corporation is, at all times since its formation through the date of such merger or combination, a special purpose entity that has held no assets and has had no other business operations other than directly or indirectly holding Series D Preferred Units or Common Units, and a party reasonably satisfactory to the Partnership provides customary tax and other representations and warranties and indemnities relating to the blocker corporation and ownership thereof; provided , further , in the case of each of (i) and (ii), any action that would have a material adverse effect on the Partnership or its partners in the aggregate (other than the Purchasers and their Affiliates) shall be deemed to not be commercially reasonable.

(b) The Partnership will after the second anniversary of the Closing Date, upon written request by any Purchaser, provide each Purchaser, within a commercially reasonable time after the Partnership’s receipt of such request, a good faith estimate (and reasonable supporting calculations) of whether there is sufficient Unrealized Gain attributable to the Partnership property on the date of such request such that, if any of such Purchaser’s Series D Preferred Units were converted to, or redeemed for, Common Units and such Unrealized Gain was allocated to such Purchaser pursuant to Section 6.1(d)(xii) of the Partnership Agreement (taking proper account of allocations of higher priority), such Purchaser’s Capital Account in respect of its Common Units would be equal to the Per Unit Capital Amount for an Initial Common Unit without any need for corrective allocations under Section 6.2(i) of the Partnership Agreement (or similar allocations of taxable income). The Purchasers, together with their Affiliates, shall not, in the aggregate, be entitled to make a request pursuant to this Section  5.04(b) more than four times per calendar year. Purchaser shall bear and pay all reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Partnership relating to the third and fourth requests, including costs charged by the Partnership’s accounting firm.

(c) Absent a change in Law or the issuance of contrary administrative or regulatory guidance from the U.S. Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service, the Partnership will report Section 707(c) guaranteed payments on the Series D Preferred Units for the taxable year as eligible for the deduction under Section 199A of the Code to the extent the Partnership’s income during the same taxable year is eligible for the deduction under Section 199A of the Code.

 

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Section  5.05 Use of Proceeds . The Partnership shall use the proceeds of the offering of the Series D Preferred Units to repay indebtedness of the Partnership or for general partnership purposes.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION, COSTS AND EXPENSES

Section  6.01 Indemnification by the Partnership . The Partnership agrees to indemnify each Purchaser and its Representatives (collectively, “ Purchaser Related Parties ”) from costs, losses, liabilities, damages or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all actions, suits, proceedings (including any investigations, litigation or inquiries), demands and causes of action, and, in connection therewith, promptly upon demand, pay or reimburse each of them for all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and all other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such matter that may be incurred by them or asserted against or involve any of them), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim, as a result of, arising out of, or in any way related to (a) the failure of any of the representations or warranties made by the Partnership contained herein to be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties contained in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , Section  3.03 , Section  3.13 , Section  3.16 or Section  3.18 or other representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of each Closing Date (except for any representations and warranties made as of a specific date, which shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only) or (b) the breach of any covenants of the Partnership contained herein; provided that, in the case of the immediately preceding clause (a), such claim for indemnification is made prior to the expiration of the survival period of such representation or warranty; provided , further , that for purposes of determining when an indemnification claim has been made, the date upon which a Purchaser Related Party shall have given notice (stating in reasonable detail the basis of the claim for indemnification) to the Partnership shall constitute the date upon which such claim has been made; and provided , further , that the aggregate liability of the Partnership to each Purchaser and its Representatives pursuant to this Section  6.01 shall not be greater in amount than such Purchaser’s Total Funding Amount as of the date of the Indemnification notice described in Section  6.03(a) , and the aggregate liability of the Partnership to all Purchasers and their respective Representatives pursuant to this Section  6.01 shall not exceed the sum of the Initial Closing Purchase Price and the Second Closing Purchase Price. No Purchaser Related Party shall be entitled to recover special, indirect, exemplary, lost profits, speculative or punitive damages under this Section  6.01 ; provided , however , that such limitation shall not prevent any Purchaser Related Party from recovering under this Section  6.01 for any such damages to the extent that such damages are payable to a third party in connection with any Third-Party Claims.

Section  6.02 Indemnification by the Purchasers . Each Purchaser agrees, severally and not jointly, to indemnify the Partnership, the General Partner, NuStar GP and their respective Representatives (collectively, “ Partnership Related Parties ”) from, all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all actions, suits, proceedings (including any investigations, litigation or inquiries), demands, and causes of action, and, in connection therewith, promptly upon demand, pay or

 

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reimburse each of them for all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and all other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such matter that may be incurred by them or asserted against or involve any of them), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim, as a result of, arising out of, or in any way related to (a) the failure of any of the representations or warranties made by such Purchaser contained herein to be true and correct in all material respects as of the date made (except to the extent any representation or warranty includes the word “material,” Material Adverse Effect or words of similar import, with respect to which such representation or warranty, or applicable portions thereof, must have been true and correct in all respects) or (b) the breach of any of the covenants or obligations of any such Purchaser contained herein (including failure to deliver payment pursuant to such Purchaser’s Total Funding Amount); provided that, in the case of the immediately preceding clause  (a) , such claim for indemnification relating to a breach of any representation or warranty is made prior to the expiration of the survival period of such representation or warranty; and provided , further , that for purposes of determining when an indemnification claim has been made, the date upon which a Partnership Related Party shall have given notice (stating in reasonable detail the basis of the claim for indemnification) to such Purchaser shall constitute the date upon which such claim has been made; and provided , further , that the liability of any Purchaser shall not be greater in amount than the sum of such Purchaser’s Total Funding Amount plus any distributions paid to such Purchaser with respect to the Series D Preferred Units. No Partnership Related Party shall be entitled to recover special, indirect, exemplary, lost profits, speculative or punitive damages under this Section  6.02 ; provided , however , that such limitation shall not prevent any Partnership Related Party from recovering under this Section  6.02 for any such damages to the extent that such damages are payable to a third party in connection with any Third-Party Claims.

Section  6.03 Indemnification Procedure .

(a) A claim for indemnification for any matter not involving a Third-Party Claim may be asserted by notice to the party from whom indemnification is sought; provided , however , that failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall not preclude the indemnified party from any indemnification which it may claim in accordance with this Article VI , except as otherwise provided in Section 6.01 and Section  6.02 .

(b) Promptly after any Partnership Related Party or Purchaser Related Party (hereinafter, the “ Indemnified Party ”) has received notice of any indemnifiable claim hereunder, or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by a third person, which the Indemnified Party believes in good faith is an indemnifiable claim under this Agreement (each a “ Third-Party Claim ”), the Indemnified Party shall give the indemnitor hereunder (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) written notice of such Third-Party Claim, but failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability it may have to such Indemnified Party hereunder except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure. Such notice shall state the nature and the basis of such Third-Party Claim to the extent then known. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend and settle, at its own expense and by its own counsel who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party, any such matter as long as the Indemnifying Party pursues the same diligently and in good faith. If the Indemnifying Party undertakes to defend or settle, it shall promptly, and in no event later than ten (10) days, notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to do so, and the Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the

 

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Indemnifying Party and its counsel in all commercially reasonable respects in the defense thereof and the settlement thereof. Such cooperation shall include, but shall not be limited to, furnishing the Indemnifying Party with any books, records and other information reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party and in the Indemnified Party’s possession or control. Such cooperation of the Indemnified Party shall be at the cost of the Indemnifying Party. After the Indemnifying Party has notified the Indemnified Party of its intention to undertake to defend or settle any such asserted liability, and for so long as the Indemnifying Party diligently pursues such defense, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any additional legal expenses incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with any defense or settlement of such asserted liability; provided , however , that the Indemnified Party shall be entitled (i) at its expense, to participate in the defense of such asserted liability and the negotiations of the settlement thereof and (ii) if (A) the Indemnifying Party has, within ten (10) Business Days of when the Indemnified Party provides written notice of a Third-Party Claim, failed (1) to assume the defense or employ counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party or (2) to notify the Indemnified Party of such assumption or (B) if the defendants in any such action include both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party and counsel to the Indemnified Party shall have concluded that there may be reasonable defenses available to the Indemnified Party that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Party or if the interests of the Indemnified Party reasonably may be deemed to conflict with the interests of the Indemnifying Party, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to select a separate counsel and to assume such legal defense and otherwise to participate in the defense of such action, with the expenses and fees of such separate counsel and other expenses related to such participation to be reimbursed by the Indemnifying Party as incurred. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Indemnifying Party shall not settle any indemnified claim without the consent of the Indemnified Party, unless the settlement thereof imposes no liability or obligation on, and includes a complete release from liability of, and does not include any admission of wrongdoing or malfeasance by, the Indemnified Party.

Section  6.04 Tax Matters . All indemnification payments under this Article VI shall be treated as adjustments to the applicable Purchaser’s Total Funding Amount for all Tax purposes except as otherwise required by applicable Law.

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION

Section  7.01 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Initial Closing:

(a) by mutual written consent of the Partnership and the Purchasers possessing the right to acquire not less than majority of the Series D Preferred Units;

(b) by written notice from either the Partnership or the Purchasers possessing the right to acquire not less than majority of the Series D Preferred Units, if any Governmental Authority with lawful jurisdiction shall have issued a final order, decree or ruling or taken any other final action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents and such order, decree, ruling or other action is or shall have become final and nonappealable; or

 

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(c) by written notice from the Partnership or a Purchaser, with respect to itself but not any other Purchaser, if the Initial Closing does not occur by 11:59 p.m. on June 29, 2018; provided , however , that no party may terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section  7.01(c) if such party is, at the time of providing such written notice, in breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

Section  7.02 Certain Effects of Termination . In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section  7.01 :

(a) except as set forth in Section  7.02 or 8.03 , this Agreement shall become null and void and have no further force or effect, but the parties shall not be released from any liability arising from or in connection with any breach hereof occurring prior to such termination;

(b) each of the Confidentiality Agreements shall remain in effect until such Confidentiality Agreement expires in accordance with its terms.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section  8.01 Expenses . At the Initial Closing, the Partnership shall pay the transaction fees to each of the entities identified on Schedule D for their own accounts in the amounts designated in Schedule D attached hereto. The transaction fees are fully earned and shall be due and payable in full at the Initial Closing. All costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses; provided that, if the Initial Closing occurs, promptly following receipt of an invoice therefor containing reasonable supporting detail, the Partnership shall reimburse the Purchasers for all of their reasonable out-of-pocket transaction fees and expenses, including fees and expenses incurred in respect of the Purchasers’ advisors (including legal advisors), actually incurred by the Purchasers prior to the Initial Closing in connection with due diligence, negotiation and consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (such fees and expenses, collectively, the “ Reimbursable Expenses ”) up to an amount not to exceed $725,000; provided further that, if (a) the Initial Closing does not occur or (b) this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section  7.01 for any reason other than the Purchaser’s failure to perform, then the Partnership shall reimburse the Purchasers for their Reimbursable Expenses up to an amount not to exceed $800,000 upon the Initial Closing Date or the date of such termination of this Agreement, as applicable; it being understood that the expense caps set forth in this Section  8.01 shall be reduced by any amounts actually paid by the Partnership to the Purchasers in respect of the Reimbursable Expenses prior to the Initial Closing.

Section  8.02 Interpretation . Article, Section, Schedule and Exhibit references in this Agreement are references to the corresponding Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement are hereby incorporated and made a part hereof as if set forth in full herein and are an integral part of this Agreement. All references to instruments, documents, Contracts and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, Contracts and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The word

 

35


“including” shall mean “including but not limited to” and shall not be construed to limit any general statement that it follows to the specific or similar items or matters immediately following it. Whenever the Partnership has an obligation under the Transaction Documents, the expense of complying with that obligation shall be an expense of the Partnership unless otherwise specified. Any reference in this Agreement to “$” shall mean U.S. dollars. Whenever any determination, consent or approval is to be made or given by a Purchaser, such action shall be in such Purchaser’s sole discretion, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement. If any provision in the Transaction Documents is held to be illegal, invalid, not binding or unenforceable, (a) such provision shall be fully severable and the Transaction Documents shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, not binding or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part of the Transaction Documents, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and (b) the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify the Transaction Documents so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to the Transaction Documents, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded. If the last day of such period is not a Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next succeeding Business Day. Any words imparting the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa. The words such as “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereof” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to a subdivision in which such words appear unless the context otherwise requires. The provision of a Table of Contents, the division of this Agreement into Articles, Sections and other subdivisions and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect or be utilized in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

Section  8.03 Survival of Provisions . The representations and warranties set forth in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , Section  3.03 , Section  3.13 , Section  3.16 , Section  3.18 , Section  4.01 , Section  4.02 , Section  4.04 , Section  4.05(a) , Section  4.05(b) and Section  4.05(e) hereunder shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement indefinitely, the representations and warranties set forth in Section  3.27 shall survive until 60 days after the applicable statute of limitations (taking into account any extensions thereof) and the other representations and warranties set forth herein shall survive for a period of 12 months following the Second Funding Closing Date, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Partnership, the Purchasers. The covenants made in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall survive the Initial Closing and remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of acceptance of any of the Series D Preferred Units and payment therefor and repayment, conversion or repurchase thereof. Regardless of any purported general termination of this Agreement, the provisions of Article VI and all indemnification rights and obligations thereunder, Article VII and this Article VIII shall remain operative and in full force and effect, unless the applicable parties execute a writing that expressly (with specific references to the applicable Section or subsection of this Agreement) terminates such rights and obligations.

Section  8.04 No Waiver: Modifications in Writing .

(a) Delay . No failure or delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The remedies provided for herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies that may be available to a party at law or in equity or otherwise.

 

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(b) Specific Waiver . Except as otherwise provided herein, no amendment, waiver, consent, modification or termination of any provision of any Transaction Document (except in the case of the Partnership Agreement for amendments adopted pursuant to the provisions thereof) shall be effective unless signed by each of the parties thereto affected by such amendment, waiver, consent, modification or termination. Any amendment, supplement or modification of or to any provision of any Transaction Document, any waiver of any provision of any Transaction Document and any consent to any departure by the Partnership from the terms of any provision of any Transaction Document shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Except where notice is specifically required by this Agreement, no notice to or demand on the Partnership in any case shall entitle the Partnership to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. Any investigation by or on behalf of any party shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of compliance with any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein.

Section  8.05 Binding Effect; Assignment .

(a) This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not be construed so as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

(b) Subject to Section  5.04 , each Purchaser may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any fund, account or company managed, advised or sub-advised by EIG or any Permitted Transferee; provided that any such assignment shall not relieve such Purchaser of any of its obligations hereunder.

Section  8.06 Non-Disclosure .

(a) This Agreement shall not impact the terms and provisions of any of the Confidentiality Agreements. The Confidentiality Agreements shall continue to be in full force and effect, pursuant to the terms and conditions thereof.

(b) Other than filings made by the Partnership with the SEC, the Partnership and any of its Representatives may disclose the identity of, or any other information concerning, the Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates only after providing the Purchasers a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such disclosure (with such comments being incorporated or reflected, to the extent reasonable, in any such disclosure); provided , however , that nothing in this Section  8.06 shall delay any required filing or other disclosure with the NYSE or any Governmental Authority or otherwise hinder the NuStar Entities’ or their Representatives’ ability to timely comply with all Laws or rules and regulations of the NYSE or other Governmental Authority.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section  8.06 , the Partnership and the General Partner agree that each Purchaser may (i) publicize its ownership in the Partnership, as well as the identity of the Partnership, the size of the investment and its pricing terms with respect to the Series D Preferred Units on its internet site or in marketing materials, press releases, published “tombstone” announcements or any other print or electronic medium and (ii) display the Partnership’s logo in conjunction with any such reference.

 

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(d) Except as described in Section  8.06(b) , prior to making any public statements or issuing any press releases with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, each party will consult with the other parties hereto and consider in good faith any comments provided by such other parties; provided that no party will make any public statement or issue any press release that attributes comments to any other party or that indicates the approval of any other party of the contents of any such public statement or press release (or portion thereof) without the prior written approval of the other parties hereto.

Section  8.07 Communications . All notices and demands provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, telecopy, electronic mail, air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or personal delivery to the following addresses

 

  (a) If to the Purchasers, to the addresses set forth on Schedule  A .

 

  (b) If to the Partnership, to:

NuStar Energy L.P.

19003 IH-10 West

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Attention: Amy L. Perry, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate

Secretary

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Sidley Austin LLP

1000 Louisiana Street

Suite 6000

Houston, TX 77002

Attention: George J. Vlahakos

Email: gvlahakos@sidley.com

or to such other address as the Partnership or the Purchasers may designate in writing. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; upon actual receipt if sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or regular mail, if mailed; upon actual receipt of the facsimile, if sent via facsimile; when sent, if sent by electronic mail prior to 5:00 p.m. Houston, Texas time on a Business Day, or on the next succeeding Business Day, if not; and upon actual receipt when delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

Section  8.08 Removal of Legend . In connection with a sale of Series D Preferred Units, PIK Units or Conversion Units by a Purchaser in reliance on Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, the applicable Purchaser or its broker shall deliver to the Partnership a broker representation letter providing to the Partnership any information the Partnership deems necessary to determine

 

38


that the sale of such Series D Preferred Units, PIK Units or Conversion Units is made in compliance with Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act, including, as may be appropriate, a certification that the Purchaser is not an affiliate of the Partnership (as defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act) and a certification as to the length of time the such units have been held. Upon receipt of such representation letter, the Partnership shall promptly remove the notation of a restrictive legend in such Purchaser’s book-entry account maintained by the Partnership, including the legend referred to in Section  4.05 , and the Partnership shall bear all costs associated with the removal of such legend in the Partnership’s books. At such time as the Series D Preferred Units, PIK Units or Conversion Units have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or have been held by any Purchaser for more than one year where such Purchaser is not, and has not been in the preceding three months, an affiliate of the Partnership (as defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act), if the book-entry account of such Purchaser still bears the notation of the restrictive legend referred to in Section  4.05 , the Partnership agrees, upon request of the Purchaser or its permitted assignee, to take all steps necessary to promptly effect the removal of the legend described in Section  4.05 , and the Partnership shall bear all costs associated with the removal of such legend in the Partnership’s books, regardless of whether the request is made in connection with a sale or otherwise, so long as such Purchaser or its permitted assignee provides to the Partnership any information the Partnership deems reasonably necessary to determine that the legend is no longer required under the Securities Act or applicable state Laws, including (if there is no such registration statement) a certification that the holder is not an affiliate of the Partnership (as defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act), a covenant to inform the Partnership if it should thereafter become an affiliate (as defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act) and to consent to the notation of an appropriate restriction, and a certification as to the length of time such units have been held. The Partnership shall cooperate with each Purchaser to effect the removal of the legend referred to in Section  4.05 at any time such legend is no longer appropriate.

Section  8.09 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Confidentiality Agreements and the other agreements and documents referred to herein are intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to in this Agreement, the other Transaction Documents or the Confidentiality Agreements with respect to the rights granted by the Partnership or any of its Affiliates or the Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates. This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents, the Confidentiality Agreements and the other agreements and documents referred to herein or therein supersede all prior agreements and understandings among the parties with respect to such subject matter.

Section  8.10 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement), will be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action against any party relating to the foregoing shall be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Delaware, and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit

 

39


to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Delaware over any such action. The parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

Section  8.11 Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES TO CAUSE ITS AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

Section  8.12 Exclusive Remedy .

(a) Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights of each party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are special, unique and of extraordinary character and that, if any party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by it herein, the non-breaching party may be without an adequate remedy at law. If any party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by such party herein, the non-breaching party subject to the terms hereof and in addition to any remedy at law for damages or other relief, may (at any time prior to the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article VII ) institute and prosecute an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce specific performance of such covenant or agreement or seek any other equitable relief.

(b) The sole and exclusive remedy for any and all claims arising under, out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be the rights of indemnification set forth in Article VI only, and no Person will have any other entitlement, remedy or recourse, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, it being agreed that all of such other remedies, entitlements and recourse are expressly waived and released by the parties hereto to the fullest extent permitted by Law. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall limit or otherwise restrict a fraud claim brought by any party hereto or the right to seek specific performance pursuant to Section  8.12(a) .

 

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Section  8.13 No Recourse Against Others .

(a) All claims, obligations, liabilities or causes of action (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute) that may be based upon, in respect of, arise under, out or by reason of, be connected with or relate in any manner to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any representation or warranty made in, in connection with, or as an inducement to, this Agreement), may be made only against (and are expressly limited to) the Partnership and the Purchasers. No Person other than the Partnership or the Purchasers, including no member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate or Representative thereof, nor any member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate or Representative of any of the foregoing, shall have any liability (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute) for any claims, causes of action, obligations or liabilities arising under, out of, in connection with or related in any manner to this Agreement or based on, in respect of or by reason of this Agreement or its negotiation, execution, performance or breach; and, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, each of the Partnership and the Purchasers hereby waives and releases all such liabilities, claims, causes of action and obligations against any such third Person.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, (i) each of the Partnership and the Purchasers hereby waives and releases any and all rights, claims, demands or causes of action that may otherwise be available at law or in equity, or granted by statute, to avoid or disregard the entity form of the other or otherwise impose liability of the other on any third Person in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether granted by statute or based on theories of equity, agency, control, instrumentality, alter ego, domination, sham, single business enterprise, piercing the veil, unfairness, undercapitalization or otherwise; and (ii) each of the Partnership and the Purchasers disclaims any reliance upon any third Person with respect to the performance of this Agreement or any representation or warranty made in, in connection with or as an inducement to this Agreement.

Section  8.14 No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except as set forth in Article VI , nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person, other than the Partnership, the Purchasers and, for purposes of Section  8.13 only, any member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate or Representative of the Partnership or the Purchasers, or any member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate or Representative of any of the foregoing, any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section  8.15 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto execute this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.

 

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.

By: RIVERWALK LOGISTICS, L.P., its General Partner

  By: NUSTAR GP, LLC, its General Partner
  By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
  Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
  Title:  

Executive Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Purchase Agreement]


EIG NOVA EQUITY AGGREGATOR, L.P.

By: EIG Nova Equity GP, LLC

        its general partner

By: EIG Asset Management, LLC
its managing member

 

  By:   /s/ Richard K. Punches, II
  Name:   Richard K. Punches, II
  Title:   Managing Director

 

  By:   /s/ Matthew Hartman
  Name:   Matthew Hartman
  Title:   Senior Vice President

 

FS ENERGY AND POWER FUND

By: FS/EI Advisor, LLC,
its Investment Advisor

 

  By:   /s/ Richard K. Punches, II
  Name:   Richard K. Punches, II
  Title:   Authorized Person

 

  By:   /s/ Matthew Hartman
  Name:   Matthew Hartman
  Title:   Authorized Person

[Signature Page to Purchase Agreement]


Exhibit A

Form of Opinion of Sidley Austin LLP


LOGO

 

SIDLEY AUSTIN LLP

1000 LOUISIANA STREET

SUITE 6000

HOUSTON, TX 77002

+1 713 495 4500

+1 713 495 7799 FAX

 

AMERICA • ASIA PACIFIC • EUROPE

  

June [•], 2018

EIG Nova Equity Aggregator, L.P.

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

333 Clay Street, Suite 3500

Houston, Texas 77002

and

FS Energy and Power Fund

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20006

 

  Re: 23,246,650 Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units issued by NuStar Energy L.P.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We have acted as special counsel to NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), in connection with the issuance and sale by the Partnership of 23,246,650 Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “ Preferred Units ”), convertible into common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (“ Common Units ”), pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, dated June 26, 2018 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), among the Partnership and the purchasers named therein (the “ Purchasers ”), relating to the issuance and sale by the Partnership to the Purchasers of 15,760,441 Preferred Units (the “ Units ”).

We are furnishing this opinion letter to you pursuant to Section 2.06(a) of the Purchase Agreement.

In rendering the opinions set forth herein, we have examined and relied on originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the following:

(a) each of the Partnership’s reports that have been filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) since January 1, 2017 (the “ NS SEC Documents ”);

(b) the Purchase Agreement;

(c) the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, among the Partnership and the Purchasers (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”);


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June [●], 2018

Page 2

 

(d) the Information Rights Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2018, by and among the Partnership, and EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC (EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC are referred to herein, collectively, as (“ EIG ”)) (the “ Information Rights Agreement ”);

(e) the Non-Solicitation Side Letter, dated as of June 29, 2018, by and among the Partnership, the Purchasers and EIG (the “ Non-Solicitation Side Letter ”)

(f) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of December 31, 2001 and effective as of January 1, 2002, as amended by the Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership dated as of March 21, 2007 and effective as of April 1, 2007, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Senior Vice President, General Counsel – Corporate and Commercial Law and Corporate Secretary (the “ Corporate Secretary ”) of NuStar GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of the General Partner (“ NuStar GP ”), as in effect on the date of the resolutions described in paragraph (m), the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar L.P. Certificate of Limited Partnership ”);

(g) the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of November 30, 2017, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the resolutions described in paragraph (m) and the date of the Purchase Agreement (the “ Sixth A&R NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement ”);

(h) the Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of June 29, 2018, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date hereof (the “ NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement ”);

(i) the Certificate of Limited Partnership of Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and the general partner of the Partnership (the “ General Partner ”), dated June 5, 2000, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the resolutions described in paragraph (m), the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Certificate of Limited Partnership, as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ General Partner Certificate of Limited Partnership ”);

(j) the First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of the General Partner, dated as of April 16, 2001, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the resolutions described in paragraph (m), the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement, as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ General Partner Partnership Agreement ”);


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June [●], 2018

Page 3

 

(k) the Certificate of Formation of NuStar GP, dated December 7, 1999, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Formation, dated December 31, 2001, and the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Formation, dated effective as of April 1, 2007, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the resolutions described in paragraph (m), the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Certificate of Formation, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar GP Certificate of Formation ”);

(l) the First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NuStar GP, dated as of June 5, 2000, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated December 31, 2001, the Second Amendment thereto, dated as of June 1, 2006, and the Third Amendment thereto, dated July 29, 2016, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the resolutions described in paragraph (m), the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar GP LLC Agreement ”);

(m) resolutions of the (i) Board of Directors of NuStar GP adopted June 13, 2018 and (ii) Pricing Committee designated by the Board of Directors of NuStar GP adopted on June [26], 2018, each as certified by the Corporate Secretary;

(n) the Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of NuStar Logistics, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ NuStar Logistics ”) effective January 8, 2002, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated May 30, 2002, the Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated effective as of April 1, 2007, and the Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated March 18, 2014, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar Logistics Certificate of Limited Partnership ”);

(o) the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Logistics, dated as of April 16, 2001, as amended by the First Amendment thereto, dated effective as of April 16, 2001, the Second Amendment thereto, dated January 7, 2002, and the Reorganization Agreement dated as of May 30, 2002, among NuStar Logistics, the Partnership, the General Partner and NuStar GP, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the general partner of NuStar Logistics (“ GP, Inc. ”), certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar Logistics Partnership Agreement ”);

(p) the Certificate of Incorporation of GP, Inc., dated May 28, 2002, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation dated effective April 1, 2007, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary, as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Certificate of Incorporation, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ GP, Inc. Certificate of Incorporation ”);


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June [●], 2018

Page 4

 

(q) the Bylaws of GP, Inc., dated May 29, 2002, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Bylaws, as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ GP, Inc. Bylaws ”);

(r) the Certificate of Limited Partnership of NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ NuPOP ”), dated September 12, 1989, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated effective as of March 31, 2008, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Certificate of Limited Partnership, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuPOP Certificate of Limited Partnership ”);

(s) the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuPOP, dated September 27, 1989, as amended by the Amendment thereto, dated effective June 30, 2003, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuPOP Partnership Agreement ”);

(t) the Certificate of Formation of NuStar Pipeline Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of NuPOP and NuStar Pipeline Partners L.P. (“ NuStar Pipeline ”), dated June 21, 2001, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Formation dated effective as of March 31, 2008, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Certificate of Formation, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar Pipeline Certificate of Formation ”);

(u) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NuStar Pipeline, dated July 16, 2001, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar Pipeline LLC Agreement ”);

(v) the Certificate of Limited Partnership of NuStar Pipeline Partners L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ NuStar Pipeline Partners ”), dated August 2, 1989, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Limited Partnership, dated effective as of March 31, 2008, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Certificate of Limited Partnership, as so amended and so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar Pipeline Partners Certificate of Limited Partnership ”);


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(w) the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Pipeline Partners, dated September 18, 1995, as revised July 23, 1998, as amended by the Amendment thereto, dated October 27, 2003, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, as so revised and amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ NuStar Pipeline Partners Partnership Agreement ”);

(x) the Certificate of Formation of LegacyStar Services, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the sole member of NuStar Pipeline (“ LegacyStar ”), dated April 9, 2001, as amended by the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Formation dated effective as of March 31, 2008, certified by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as in effect on June 25, 2018, and certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Certificate of Formation, as so amended and as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ LegacyStar Certificate of Formation ”);

(y) the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of LegacyStar, dated as of June 28, 2001, certified by the Corporate Secretary as in effect on the date of the Purchase Agreement and the date hereof (such Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement, as so certified, being referred to herein as the “ LegacyStar LLC Agreement ”);

(z) a certificate dated the date hereof (the “ Opinion Support Certificate ”), executed by the Corporate Secretary, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A;

(aa) each of the Applicable Agreements (as defined below); and

(bb) results of uniform commercial code searches each dated June 25, 2018 conducted by Capitol Services, Inc. and purporting to identify all effective uniform commercial code financing statements on file in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, through June 13, 2018, naming NuStar Holdings, NuStar GP, Riverwalk Holdings or the General Partner as debtor (the “ Search Reports ”).

We have also examined and relied upon originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of such records of the Partnership Entities and such agreements, certificates of public officials, certificates of officers or other representatives of the Partnership Entities and others, and such other documents, certificates and records, as we have deemed necessary or appropriate as a basis for the opinions set forth herein. In our examination, we have assumed the legal capacity of all natural persons, the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to or obtained by us as originals, and the conformity to authentic original documents of all documents submitted to or obtained by us as certified or photostatic copies or by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission or which we obtained from the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval system (“ EDGAR ”)


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or other sites on the internet, and the authenticity of the originals of such latter documents. If any document we examined in printed, word processed or similar form has been filed with the SEC on EDGAR, we have assumed that the document filed on EDGAR is identical to the document we examined, except for EDGAR formatting changes. As to facts and certain other matters and the consequences thereof materially relevant to the opinions expressed herein and the other statements made herein, we have relied without independent investigation or verification upon, and assumed the accuracy and completeness of, (i) oral or written statements and representations of officers and other representatives of the Partnership Entities (including without limitation the facts certified in the Opinion Support Certificate), (ii) statements and certifications of public officials and others and (iii) the representations and warranties in the Purchase Agreement (as to factual matters).

As used herein the following terms have the respective meanings set forth below:

Applicable Agreements ” means those agreements and other instruments identified on Schedule 1 to the Opinion Support Certificate which have been certified by the Corporate Secretary as being every indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, loan, purchase or credit agreement, lease or other agreement that is material in relation to the business, operations, affairs, financial condition, assets, or properties of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, considered as a single enterprise.

Incentive Distribution Rights ” has the meaning ascribed to such term under the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement.

NuStar Holdings ” means NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Organizational Documents ” means the NuStar GP Certificate of Formation, the NuStar GP LLC Agreement, the General Partner Certificate of Limited Partnership, the General Partner Partnership Agreement, the NuStar L.P. Certificate of Limited Partnership, the Sixth A&R NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement, the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement, the NuStar Logistics Certificate of Limited Partnership, the NuStar Logistics Partnership Agreement, the LegacyStar Certificate of Formation, the LegacyStar LLC Agreement, the NuStar Pipeline Certificate of Formation, the NuStar Pipeline LLC Agreement, the NuStar Pipeline Partners Certificate of Limited Partnership, the NuStar Pipeline Partners Partnership Agreement, the NuPOP Certificate of Limited Partnership, the NuPOP Partnership Agreement, the GP, Inc. Certificate of Incorporation and the GP, Inc. Bylaws.

Partnership Entities ” means NuStar GP, the General Partner, the Partnership, NuStar Logistics, GP, Inc., LegacyStar, NuStar Pipeline, NuStar Pipeline Partners and NuPOP.

Partnership Parties ” means the Partnership, the General Partner and NuStar GP.

Person ” means a natural person or a legal entity organized under the laws of any jurisdiction.


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Riverwalk Holdings ” means Riverwalk Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Transaction Documents ” means the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Information Rights Agreement and the Non-Solicitation Side Letter.

Based upon the foregoing and subject to the limitations, qualifications, exceptions and assumptions set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

1. Each of the Partnership Parties has been formed under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the Partnership Entities is validly existing as a limited partnership, limited liability company or corporation, as applicable, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware. Each of the Partnership Entities has the limited partnership, limited liability company or corporate power and authority, as the case may be, under the laws of the State of Delaware to carry on its business and own or lease its properties as described in the NS SEC Documents.

2. NuStar Holdings is the sole member of NuStar GP, with a 100% membership interest in NuStar GP, such membership interest has been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the NuStar GP LLC Agreement and is fully paid (to the extent required by the NuStar GP LLC Agreement) and is nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Section 18-607 and 18-804 of the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act (the “ Delaware LLC Act ”)); and NuStar Holdings owns such membership interest free and clear of all liens in respect of which a uniform commercial code financing statement naming NuStar Holdings as debtor is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of June 13, 2018.

3. NuStar GP is the sole general partner of the General Partner with a 0.1% general partner interest in the General Partner; such general partner interest has been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the General Partner Partnership Agreement; and NuStar GP owns such general partner interest free and clear of all liens in respect of which a uniform commercial code financing statement naming NuStar GP as debtor is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of June 13, 2018.

4. Riverwalk Holdings is the sole limited partner of the General Partner with a 99.9% limited partner interest in the General Partner; such limited partner interest has been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the General Partner Partnership Agreement and is fully paid (to the extent required under the General Partner Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act (the “ Delaware LP Act ”)); and Riverwalk Holdings owns such limited partner interest free and clear of all liens in respect of which a uniform commercial code financing statement naming Riverwalk Holdings as debtor is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of June 13, 2018.


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5. The General Partner is the sole general partner of the Partnership with a 2% general partner interest and 100% of the Incentive Distribution Rights in the Partnership; such general partner interest and Incentive Distribution Rights have been duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement and, in the case of the Incentive Distribution Rights, are fully paid (to the extent required under the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act); and the General Partner owns such general partner interest and Incentive Distribution Rights, in each case, free and clear of all liens in respect of which a uniform commercial code financing statement naming the General Partner as debtor is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of June 13, 2018.

6. Riverwalk Holdings and NuStar GP own 10,213,894 and 732 Common Units, respectively, as of the date hereof; and Riverwalk Holdings and NuStar GP own such Common Units free and clear of all liens in respect of which a uniform commercial code financing statement naming either Riverwalk Holdings or NuStar GP as debtor is on file in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware as of June 13, 2018, other than, with respect to Riverwalk Holdings, the uniform commercial code financing statement No. 20132498823 filed on June 28, 2013 and the amendments and continuation thereto, No. 20163633532 filed on June 16, 2016, No. 20174239270 filed on June 27, 2017, No. 20180400834 filed on January 18, 2018 and No. 20182502777 filed on April 12, 2018 naming Riverwalk Holdings, as debtor, as to which we were advised by Riverwalk Holdings was filed in connection with the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of June 28, 2013, among NuStar Holdings, Riverwalk Holdings and the lenders party thereto, as amended.

7. Except as described in the NS SEC Documents or the Transaction Documents (i) there are no outstanding options, warrants or other rights to purchase, or any restrictions upon the voting or transfer of, agreements or other obligations requiring any Partnership Entity to issue or rights to convert any securities into or exchange any securities for any equity interest of any Partnership Entity, in each case, under any Organizational Document of such Partnership Entity or any Applicable Agreement, (ii) there are no preemptive rights or other similar rights to subscribe for or purchase any equity interest of any Partnership Entity under any Organizational Document of such Partnership Entity, any Applicable Agreement or the Delaware LP Act and (iii) no Person has the right, which has not been waived, under any Organizational Document or any Applicable Agreement to require the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”) of any sale of securities issued by the Partnership, by reason of the issuance and sale of the Units as contemplated in the Purchase Agreement.

8. Each of the issuance and sale of the Units and the execution and delivery by the Partnership of the Transaction Documents has been duly authorized by all necessary limited liability company action of NuStar GP, acting in its capacity as the general partner of the General Partner, acting in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership.


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9. Each of the Purchase Agreement, Registration Rights Agreement and Information Rights Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Partnership and constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Partnership, enforceable against the Partnership in accordance with its terms.

10. The Units to be purchased by the Purchasers from the Partnership have been duly authorized for issuance and sale to the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, and the limited partner interests represented thereby, have been duly authorized in accordance with the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement and, when issued and delivered to the Purchasers against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of the Purchase Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement) and nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act).

11. The Series D PIK Units (as defined in the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement) have been duly authorized pursuant to the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement and, assuming the distribution of the Series D PIK Units, if any, is properly authorized by the General Partner, when such Series D PIK Units are issued in accordance with the terms of the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement, such Series D PIK Units will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement) and non nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act).

12. The Series D Conversion Common Units (as defined in the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement) have been duly authorized pursuant to the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement and, when issued upon conversion or redemption of the Units in accordance with the terms of the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement) and non nonassessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act).

13. The NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the General Partner and is enforceable against the General Partner in accordance with its terms.

14. None of (i) the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Partnership or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (ii) the execution and delivery of the NuStar L.P. Agreement by the General Partner or (iii) the issuance and sale by the Partnership of the Units to the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (A) violated, violates or will violate the Organizational Documents of the Partnership, (B) resulted, results or will result in a breach of, or a default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default) under, any Applicable Agreement, (C) created, creates or will create any security interest in, or lien upon, any of the property or assets of any Partnership Entity pursuant to any Applicable Agreement, (D) violated,


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violates or will violate any terms or provisions of (i) any applicable federal laws of the United States of America, (ii) the Delaware General Corporation Law (“ DGCL ”), (iii) the Delaware LP Act, (iv) the Delaware LLC Act or (v) any applicable laws of the State of Texas.

15. No Governmental Approval (as defined below) which has not been obtained or made and is not in full force and effect, was or is required for (i) the execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Partnership or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, except as may be required in connection with the Partnership’s obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement to register the resale of the Units or the Series D Conversion Common Units under the Securities Act, or (ii) the issuance and sale of the Units by the Partnership to the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, or performance by the Partnership of its obligations thereunder. As used in this paragraph, “ Governmental Approval ” means any consent, approval, license, authorization or order of any executive, legislative, judicial, administrative or regulatory body of the State of Delaware, the State of Texas or the United States of America, pursuant to (i) the DGCL, (ii) the Delaware LP Act, (iii) the Delaware LLC Act, (iv) applicable federal laws of the United States of America or (v) applicable laws of the State of Texas.

16. The Partnership is not, and immediately after giving effect to the issuance and sale of the Units and the application of the proceeds therefrom it will not be, required to be registered as an “investment company” as defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “ 40 Act ”).

17. Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchasers and the Partnership contained in the Purchase Agreement, the offer, issuance and sale of the Units by the Partnership to the Purchasers in accordance with the Purchase Agreement, including the issuance of the Series D Conversion Common Units to such Purchasers upon conversion of the Units in accordance with the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement (assuming such conversion takes place as of the date hereof), are exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act; provided , however , that no opinion is expressed as to any subsequent sale or resale of the Units or the Series D Conversion Common Units.

This letter is limited to matters arising under the (i) applicable laws of the State of Texas, (ii) applicable federal laws of the United States of America, (iii) Delaware LP Act, (iv) Delaware LLC Act, (v) DGCL and (vi) with respect to the opinions in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 above, our review of the documents and other items described in paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) below. References herein to “applicable laws” mean those laws, rules and regulations that, in our experience, are normally applicable to transactions of the type contemplated by the Purchase Agreement, without our having made any special investigation as to the applicability of any specific law, rule or regulation, and that are not the subject of a specific opinion herein referring expressly to a particular law or laws; provided however , that such references (including without limitation those appearing in paragraphs 14 and 15 above) do not include any municipal or other local laws, rules or regulations, or any antifraud, environmental, labor, securities or blue sky laws, 40 Act, tax, insurance or antitrust, laws, rules or regulations.


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Our opinions expressed herein are subject to the following additional assumptions and qualifications:

(i) The opinions set forth in paragraph 1 above as to the formation of the Partnership Parties and the valid existence and good standing of the Partnership Entities under the laws of the State of Delaware are based solely upon our review of certificates and other communications from the appropriate public officials of the State of Delaware.

(ii) The opinions in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7(i) above as to the ownership of the issued and outstanding equity interests in the Persons referred to in such paragraphs are based solely upon our review of, and we have relied solely on, the Organizational Documents of the Persons identified in such paragraphs. We have assumed that such Organizational Documents of each such Person accurately reflect the ownership of all the issued and outstanding equity interests of each such Person as of the respective dates of such Organizational Documents, and we express no opinion as to (and assume that there has not been) any resale, transfer or issuance of any equity interest of any such Person subsequent to the respective dates of such Organizational Documents other than with respect to the opinion in paragraph 4 with respect to which we were advised by Riverwalk Holdings that the limited partner interest referred to therein were transferred to Riverwalk Holdings.

(iii) With respect to the opinions expressed in paragraphs 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 above, as to whether the ownership of the interests in the Persons referred to in such paragraphs are free and clear of the liens described in such paragraphs, our opinions are based solely upon our review of, and we have relied solely on the Search Reports, and we have assumed the completeness and accuracy of the Search Reports and that the methodology utilized in generating the Search Reports was effective to disclose all effective uniform commercial code financing statements naming NuStar Holdings, NuStar GP, Riverwalk Holdings or the General Partner as debtor. Furthermore, we have assumed that any uniform commercial code financing statement filed in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware naming NuStar Holdings, NuStar GP, Riverwalk Holdings or the General Partner as debtor on file in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware would have been properly filed and indexed in the records of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and appear in the Search Reports. We wish to point out that the Search Reports purport to disclose all effective uniform commercial code financing statements name NuStar Holdings, NuStar GP, Riverwalk Holdings or the General Partner, as debtor, on file in the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware only through June 13, 2018, and our opinions referred to in the first sentence of this paragraph (iii) are as of that date only.

(iv) The opinions in paragraphs 9 and 13 above may be:

(1) limited by applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, fraudulent conveyance or transfer or other similar laws relating to or affecting the rights of creditors generally;


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(2) subject to the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including, without limitation, the possible unavailability of specific performance, injunctive relief or any other equitable remedy and concepts of materiality, reasonableness and the effect of the judicial imposition of an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing; and

(3) subject to the effect of applicable law relating to fiduciary duties and to limitations on rights to indemnity and contribution arising under applicable law or public policy.

(v) We express no opinion as to the validity, effect or enforceability of any provisions:

(1) purporting to establish evidentiary standards or limitations periods for suits or proceedings to enforce such documents or otherwise, to establish certain determinations (including determinations of contracting parties and judgments of courts) as conclusive or conclusive absent manifest error, to commit the same to the discretion of any Person or permit any Person to act in its sole judgment or to waive rights to notice;

(2) relating to severability or separability;

(3) providing for an increase in an interest rate or the payment of additional interest upon the occurrence of certain defaults or the failure to perform certain obligations or imposing liquidated damages or penalties;

(4) purporting to limit the liability of, or to exculpate, any Person, including without limitation any provision that purports to waive liability for violation of securities laws;

(5) purporting to obligate any party to conform to a standard that may not be objectively determinable or employing items that are vague or have no commonly accepted meaning in the context in which used;

(6) purporting to require that all amendments, waivers and terminations be in writing or the disregard of any course of dealing or usage of trade;

(7) purporting to require disregard of mandatory choice of law principles that could require application of a law other than the law expressly chosen to govern the instrument in which such provisions appear;

(8) purporting to bind a Person that is not a party to such document;

(9) purporting to impose transfer restrictions to the extent that a transfer occurs by operation of law;


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(10) pursuant to which the any party agrees to agree in the future on any matter;

(11) to the effect that the failure to exercise or delay in exercising rights or remedies will not impair or operate as a waiver of such rights or remedies;

(12) purporting to obligate a party to cause other Persons to act in a certain way insofar as such provision relates to the actions of such other Persons;

(13) regarding any obligation or agreement to use best efforts, reasonable best efforts or commercially reasonable efforts or any similar obligation or agreement;

(14) regarding choice of law;

(15) regarding the grant of any power of attorney;

(16) requiring any party to take further action or to enter into further agreements or instruments or to provide further assurances;

(17) requiring the payment of attorneys’ fees where such payment is contrary to law or public policy;

(18) purporting to waive punitive, special or exemplary damages;

(19) purporting to provide for the survival of representations and warranties beyond the applicable statute of limitations; or

(20) regarding forum selection.

(vi) In rendering the opinion expressed in paragraph 13 above, we express no opinion with respect to Section 12.2 or Section 14.5(b) of the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement.

(vii) In rendering the opinion expressed in paragraph 13 above, we note that (i) with respect to Section 12.5 of the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement, under the Delaware LP Act, the existence of the Partnership as a separate legal entity shall continue, and the Partnership will not terminate under the Delaware LP Act, until a certificate of cancellation of the MLP Certificate is filed with the Secretary of State and becomes effective and (ii) in addition to the events of dissolution listing in Section 12.1 of the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement, under the Delaware LP Act, the Partnership may dissolve at any time there are no limited partners of the Partnership, unless the Partnership is continued in accordance with the Delaware L.P. Act. Additionally, we have assumed that the NuStar L.P. Partnership Agreement constitutes the entire agreement among the parties thereto with respect to the subject matter thereof, including with respect to the admission of partners to, and the formation, operation and termination of, the Partnership.


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(viii) We note that the transfer restrictions contained in the Purchase Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Information Rights Agreement may be subject to 9-406 and 9-408 of the Delaware Uniform Commercial Code, 6 Del. C. § 1-101, et seq .

(ix) In rendering the opinions set forth in paragraph 14(B) above regarding Applicable Agreements, we express no opinion as to any breach of or default under any financial covenant, any provision requiring a mathematical, accounting or financial computation or determination or any cross default or cross acceleration provisions triggered by another instrument or agreement.

(x) With respect to each instrument or agreement referred to in or otherwise relevant to the opinions set forth herein (each, an “ Instrument ”), we have assumed, to the extent relevant to the opinions set forth herein, that (i) each party to such Instrument (if not a natural person) was duly organized or formed, as the case may be, and was at all relevant times and is validly existing and in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of organization or formation, as the case may be, and had at all relevant times and has full right, power and authority to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under such Instrument and (ii) such Instrument has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by, and was at all relevant times and is a valid, binding and enforceable agreement or obligation, as the case may be, of, each party thereto; provided that we make no such assumption insofar as any of the foregoing matters relates to any Partnership Party and is expressly covered by our opinions set forth in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 or 13 above.

(xi) In rendering our opinion set forth in paragraph 16 above, we have relied as to all factual matters exclusively on the certificate, dated as of the date of this letter, of Jorge A. del Alamo, Senior Vice President and Controller of NuStar GP, and have assumed that the certifications and representations as to such factual matters set forth therein were true and correct as of the dates set forth therein, are true and correct on the date hereof and will remain true and correct at all times through and including the date on which the Partnership shall have expended all of the proceeds from the sale of the Units.

This letter is being furnished only to you in connection with the sale of the Units under the Purchase Agreement and is solely for your benefit and is not to be used, circulated, quoted or otherwise referred to for any other purpose or relied upon by any other Person, including any Person who acquires any Units from or through you or any subsequent Person who acquires any Units, without our express written permission. The opinions expressed herein are as of the date hereof only and are based on laws, orders, contract terms and provisions, and facts as of such date, and we disclaim any obligation to update this opinion letter after such date or to advise you of changes of facts stated or assumed herein or any subsequent changes in law.


Exhibit B

Form of Seventh Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership


Exhibit C

Form of Registration Rights Agreement


Exhibit D

Form of Information Rights Agreement


INFORMATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

This INFORMATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, dated as of June 29, 2018 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and among NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), and EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC (EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC are referred to herein, collectively, as “ EIG ”), on its own behalf and on behalf of the Purchasers. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2018 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), among the Partnership and the Purchasers.

WHEREAS , pursuant to, and subject to the terms and conditions of, the Purchase Agreement, the Partnership has agreed to issue and sell Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “ Preferred Units ”) to the Purchasers;

WHEREAS , the Partnership has agreed to provide EIG with certain information rights pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; and

WHEREAS , it is a condition to the respective obligations of the parties to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement that each of the parties hereto execute and deliver this Agreement, contemporaneously with the initial closing of the transactions contemplated by the Purchase Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

Section  1. Information Rights . For so long as the Purchasers and Affiliates of the Purchasers collectively hold at least a majority of the Preferred Units issued on the Initial Closing Date, the Partnership shall provide to EIG, subject to appropriate provisions for withholding or redacting information that the Partnership confirms in writing (email will suffice) to EIG is necessary to maintain privilege or comply with confidentiality obligations to third parties:

(a) a single copy of the same information packets that are provided to (i) the Board of Directors or any similar governing body (collectively, the “ Board ”) responsible for managing the business of the Partnership in connection with each meeting of the Board or (ii) a committee or sub-committee of the Board (other than the Conflicts Committee, as defined in the Partnership Agreement) in connection with a meeting thereof pertaining to the approval of (x) a material project, merger, acquisition or divestiture not previously presented to the Board and with respect to which the Partnership would be required to file a Current Report on Form 8-K, (y) the Partnership’s annual budget or (z) the Partnership’s long-range strategic plan (collectively, the matters in (x), (y) and (z) are referred to herein as “ Material Matters ”);

(b) a single copy of all special notifications delivered to (i) the Board or (ii) any committee or sub-committee of the Board (other than the Conflicts Committee, as defined in the Partnership Agreement) pertaining to the approval of a Material Matter;

 

1


(c) a single copy of the minutes from each meeting of (i) the Board or (ii) any committee or sub-committee of the Board (other than the Conflicts Committee, as defined in the Partnership Agreement) pertaining to the approval of a Material Matter;

(d) a notification prior to the Partnership entering into any asset acquisitions, divestitures or contributions with a value in excess of $10 million, other than to or among subsidiaries of the Partnership;

(e) the right to a quarterly conference call between EIG and NuStar GP’s Chief Executive Officer and additional conference calls between EIG and NuStar GP’s Chief Executive Officer as reasonably requested by EIG; and

(f) the right to participate in discussions with NuStar GP’s management regarding any corporate conversion or similar transaction by the Partnership.

At any time EIG may deliver written notice (an “ Opt-Out Notice ”) to the Partnership requesting that EIG no longer receive any information or materials from the Partnership pursuant to this Section  1 ; provided, however , that, for so long as the Purchasers and Affiliates of the Purchasers collectively hold at least a majority of the Preferred Units issued on the Initial Closing Date, EIG may later revoke any such Opt-Out Notice in writing. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall provide EIG with the right to attend meetings of the Board, any committee or sub-committee thereof or management.

Section  2. Confidentiality .

(a) “ Confidential Information ” means any and all of the information and materials provided by the Partnership to EIG and its Representatives (as defined below) pursuant to this Agreement. Such Confidential Information shall consist of any and all tangible and intangible information, whether oral or in writing or in any other medium (including, but not limited to, computer data), provided by the Partnership or its Representatives to EIG or EIG’s Representatives. The term “Confidential Information” shall not apply to information and data which (i) at the time of disclosure, is generally available to the public, (ii) after disclosure by the Partnership, becomes published or generally available to the public, other than through any act or omission on the part of EIG or its Representatives in violation of this Agreement, (iii) was or is developed by EIG or its Representatives without the use of Confidential Information, (iv) was or is acquired by EIG or its Representatives from a source other than the Partnership or its Representatives, provided such source is not, to EIG’s or such Representative’s knowledge, bound by a confidentiality agreement with the Partnership or its Representatives or otherwise prohibited from transmitting the information to EIG or such Representative by a contractual obligation, with respect to such information, or (v) is approved for public disclosure by the Partnership or its Representatives. For the purposes of this Agreement “ Representatives ” shall mean (i) with respect to the Partnership, the directors, officers, employees, agents, accountants, attorneys, advisors and consultants of the Partnership, its General Partner or its Subsidiaries and (ii) with respect to EIG, the directors, officers and employees of EIG who have a need to know the Confidential Information in connection with the investment by the Purchasers in the Preferred Units pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or the ownership or disposition of the Preferred Units by the Purchasers pursuant to the Partnership Agreement.

 

2


(b) Except to the extent permitted by this Section  2 , EIG and its Representatives shall keep the Confidential Information confidential. EIG may describe Confidential Information to a Purchaser, any of EIG’s Affiliates, any of their respective partners, members, unitholders or investors, and any Permitted Transferee, if such recipient is subject to a confidentiality agreement with respect to the Confidential Information that is no less restrictive than the terms and conditions of this Agreement. EIG agrees to be responsible for the breach of this Agreement by any of its Representatives, any Purchaser, any of EIG’s Affiliates, any of their respective partners, members, unitholders or investors, and any Permitted Transferee, except that EIG shall not be liable for breaches by any of its Representatives, any Purchaser, any of EIG’s Affiliates, any of their respective partners, members, unitholders or investors, and any Permitted Transferee that executes a confidentiality agreement with the Partnership. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement and for the avoidance of doubt, EIG and its Representatives may not share any materials received pursuant to this Agreement or copies thereof.

(c) EIG hereby acknowledges that it is aware, and that it will advise its Representatives, any Purchaser, any of EIG’s Affiliates, any of their respective partners, members, unitholders or investors, and any Permitted Transferee who are informed of Confidential Information which is the subject of this Agreement, that the United States securities laws prohibit any person who has received material, non-public information concerning an issuer from purchasing or selling securities of such issuer or from communicating such information to any other person under the circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person is likely to purchase or sell such securities, and EIG has sufficient policies and procedures in place to abide by the applicable securities laws.

(d) With regard to Confidential Information, except as otherwise permitted herein, EIG agrees:

(i) not to use the Confidential Information for any other purpose other than in connection with the investment in the Preferred Units by the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or the ownership or disposition of the Preferred Units by the Purchasers pursuant to the Partnership Agreement;

(ii) at any time after the Purchasers and Affiliates of the Purchasers collectively hold less than a majority of the Preferred Units issued on the Initial Closing Date, promptly after written notice is provided by the Partnership to EIG, except to the extent that complying with such request would be prohibited by law, regulation, litigation, or EIG’s internal document retention compliance policies, to either return the Confidential Information to the Partnership or to confirm in writing (email will suffice) that the Confidential Information has been destroyed; provided however that EIG may retain Confidential Information stored in standard archival or computer back-up systems or pursuant to professional accounting obligations, and such information shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations provided herein;

(iii) to maintain the Confidential Information as confidential by the use of commercially reasonable internal procedures; and

 

3


(iv) to ensure its Representatives to which the Confidential Information may be described are informed of the confidential nature of the Confidential Information.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, for the purposes of this Agreement, no provision of this Agreement shall be applicable to the direct or indirect portfolio companies of investment funds, accounts or companies advised or managed by EIG or its Affiliates (each, an “ Excluded Entity ”), except to the extent, if any, that an Excluded Entity has actually received Confidential Information from or through EIG or its Representatives. Furthermore, the Partnership acknowledges that EIG and its Affiliates’ employees serve as directors and observers of portfolio companies and such portfolio companies will not be deemed to have received Confidential Information solely due to the dual role of any such employees so long as such employee does not provide any Confidential Information to such portfolio companies.

(f) EIG and its Representatives shall be permitted to disclose the Confidential Information in order to comply with any request or requirement by applicable law, statute, regulation, rule, or any court, governmental, regulatory or administrative agency or authority, or nationally or internationally recognized stock exchange or other self-regulatory organization; provided , however , that in the event that EIG is required to disclose any part or all of the Confidential Information, EIG shall, to the extent practicable and permitted by law, promptly notify the Partnership, and EIG will use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Partnership, at the Partnership’s sole cost, to obtain a protective order or other appropriate remedy to maintain the confidential nature of the Confidential Information; provided further , that if EIG or such Representative discloses any part of the Confidential Information in compliance with this Section  2(f) , EIG or such Representative shall disclose only that portion of the Confidential Information which it is legally required to disclose (upon the advice of counsel, which may be in-house counsel). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if EIG or its Representatives become subject to a routine audit, examination or broad request for information by a governmental, judicial, regulatory or administrative authority or self-regulatory organization that is not specific to the Confidential Information provided hereunder, they shall be permitted to disclose any and all information (including Confidential Information) EIG deems to be responsive to such request without any notice requirement nor liability hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, EIG and its Representatives may disclose and retain Confidential Information to the extent such disclosure or retention is necessary to establish EIG’s rights under this Agreement, EIG’s or its Representatives’ compliance with the terms of this Agreement, or in connection with any dispute arising under this Agreement or in connection with the investment in the Preferred Units by the Purchasers pursuant to the Purchase Agreement or the ownership or disposition of the Preferred Units by the Purchasers pursuant to the Partnership Agreement.

(g) EIG’s and its Representatives’ obligations under this Section  2 shall continue for as long as the Confidential Information remains Confidential Information; provided , that any Confidential Information shall cease to be Confidential Information no later than two (2) years following such time that the Purchasers and Affiliates of the Purchasers collectively hold less than a majority of the Preferred Units issued on the Initial Closing Date.

 

4


Section  3. Miscellaneous .

(a) Communications . All notices and other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given as provided in the Purchase Agreement.

(b) Entire Agreement . This Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the rights granted by the parties hereto or any of their respective Affiliates set forth herein. This Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to subject matter hereof.

(c) Interpretation . Section references in this Agreement are references to the corresponding Section to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All references to instruments, documents, contracts and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, contracts and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The words “include,” “includes” and “including” or words of similar import shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation.” Whenever any determination, consent or approval is to be made or given by a party under this Agreement, such action shall be in such party’s sole discretion unless otherwise specified. If any provision in this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, not binding or unenforceable, (i) such provision shall be fully severable and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, not binding or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and (ii) the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded. If the last day of such period is not a Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next succeeding Business Day. Any words imparting the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa. The words such as “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereof” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to a subdivision in which such words appear unless the context otherwise requires. The division of this Agreement into Sections and other subdivisions and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect or be utilized in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

(d) Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement), will be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action against any party relating to the foregoing shall be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Delaware, and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Delaware over any such action. The parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest

 

5


extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

(e) Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES TO CAUSE ITS AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (i) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (ii) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

(f) No Waiver; Modifications in Writing .

(i) Delay . No failure or delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The remedies provided for herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies that may be available to a party at law or in equity or otherwise.

(ii) Specific Waiver . Except as otherwise provided herein, no amendment, waiver, consent, modification or termination of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless signed by each of the parties hereto affected by such amendment, waiver, consent, modification or termination. Any amendment, supplement or modification of or to any provision of this Agreement, any waiver of any provision of this Agreement and any consent to any departure by a party from the terms of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Except where notice is specifically required by this Agreement, no notice to or demand on a party in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. Any investigation by or on behalf of any party shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of compliance with any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein.

(g) Binding Effect . This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not be construed so as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

6


(h) Specific Performance . Damages in the event of breach of this Agreement by a party hereto may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain, and it is therefore agreed that each such Person, in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, shall have the right to seek an injunction or other equitable relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, enjoining any such breach, and enforcing specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and each of the parties hereto hereby waives any and all defenses it may have on the ground of lack of jurisdiction or competence of the court to grant such an injunction or other equitable relief. The existence of this right shall not preclude any such Person from pursuing any other rights and remedies at law or in equity that such Person may have.

(i) Investment Opportunities . The Partnership acknowledges that, in the ordinary course of business, EIG is engaged through separate platforms in the origination of loans (including the provision of debt financing for transactions similar to the investment in the Preferred Units pursuant to the Purchase Agreement) and purchase and sale of securities and syndicated bank debt and that nothing in this Agreement shall restrict such activities of such other platforms, provided that none of the Confidential Information is used in connection therewith. The Partnership further acknowledges that EIG or it Representatives may, in the ordinary course of its or their business, evaluate investments in the energy industry and is or are actively seeking to invest in energy related projects in a variety of areas. The Partnership understands that EIG and its Representatives will retain certain mental impressions of the Confidential Information which are indistinguishable from generalized industry knowledge. Accordingly, the Partnership agrees that, subject to the terms of this Agreement, EIG and its Representatives are not precluded from pursuing such investments solely because of such retained mental impressions.

(j) Business Development Company . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, and for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the purchase or sale of debt securities issued by, or loans made to, the Partnership by any closed-end management investment company that (i) has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (ii) is advised by EIG or its Affiliates.

(k) No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended or shall confer upon any Person, other than the Partnership or EIG, any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

(l) Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

[ Signature pages follow ]

 

7


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto execute this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.

 

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.
By:   RIVERWALK LOGISTICS, L.P.,
  its General Partner
By:   NUSTAR GP, LLC, its General Partner

 

By:    
Name:  
Title:  

Signature Page to Information Rights Agreement


EIG MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC

FS/EIG ADVISOR, LLC,

on their own behalf and on behalf of the Purchasers

 

EIG Management Company, LLC

By:    
Name:  
Title:  
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

FS/EIG Advisor, LLC
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

Signature Page to Information Rights Agreement


Exhibit E

Form of Non-Solicitation Side Letter


June 29, 2018

EIG Nova Equity Aggregator, L.P.

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

333 Clay Street, Suite 3500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attn: Matthew Hartman

With copy to:

EIG Nova Equity Aggregator, L.P.

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

333 Clay Street, Suite 3500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attn: Austin Pearson

and

FS Energy and Power Fund

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite

800 Washington, DC 20006

Attn: Eric Long

with copy to:

FS Energy and Power Fund

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20006

Attn: Andrew P. Jamison

 

  Re: NuStar Energy L.P. Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units

Reference is made to that certain Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated June 26, 2018 (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), among NuStar Energy L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”) and the Purchasers. Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Purchase Agreement.

This letter agreement (this “ Letter Agreement ”) is made by and among the Partnership, the Purchasers and EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC (EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC are referred to herein, collectively, as “ EIG ”), on its own behalf and on behalf of the Purchasers.


The Partnership, EIG and each of the Purchasers, severally and not jointly, agree to the following:

1. Non-Solicitation .

(a) Without the consent of the board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC (the “ Partnership Board ”) or the board of directors of NSH (the “ NSH Board ”) or their respective successor governing bodies, as applicable, or as otherwise recommended by the Partnership Board or the NSH Board or their respective successor governing bodies, as applicable, from and after the Initial Closing Date until the date on which EIG, the Purchasers and their respective Affiliates (as defined below) (1) do not beneficially own any Series D Preferred Units and (2) beneficially own less than 5% of the Common Units, EIG and the Purchasers shall not, and shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, directly or indirectly, knowingly or willingly make or in any way participate in any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are used in Rule 14a-1 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act) or written consents to vote, seek to influence, or advise any third party with respect to the voting of any voting securities of the Partnership or NSH in respect of any Proposal.

“Affiliate” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with, the Person in question.

“Control” and its derivatives shall mean, with respect to any Person, the possession, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, by any Person or group of the power or authority, through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise, to appoint a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body of such Person.

“Proposal” means any proposal or offer from or by a third party relating to: (i) any direct or indirect acquisition or purchase of all or substantially all of the assets of the Partnership or NSH (in each case, inclusive of their respective subsidiaries); (ii) any direct or indirect acquisition or purchase (by merger, consolidation or otherwise) of a majority of the voting securities of the Partnership or NSH; (iii) the removal (or approving the removal) of the General Partner as the general partner of the Partnership and/or the election of a successor general partner of the Partnership; or (iv) the removal of any member of the Partnership Board or the NSH Board or their respective successor governing bodies and/or seeking the election of any person as a director not having been nominated by the Partnership Board or the NSH Board or their respective successor governing bodies other than in respect of the rights provided to a Series D Preferred Unit holder in connection with a Series D Preferred Unit distribution default in accordance with the Partnership Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, and for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement shall:

(i) prohibit EIG, the Purchasers or their respective Affiliates from privately communicating with, including making any offer or proposal to, the Partnership Board or the NSH Board;


(ii) restrict EIG, the Purchasers or their respective Affiliates from selling or transferring any of their Partnership Securities (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) subject to any restrictions relating thereto contained in the Partnership Agreement;

(iii) restrict in any manner how a Purchaser votes its Series D Preferred Units or Common Units subject to any restrictions relating thereto contained in the Partnership Agreement;

(iv) prohibit the purchase or sale of debt securities issued by, or loans made to, the Partnership, NSH or their respective subsidiaries or Affiliates by any closed-end management investment company that (A) has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and (B) is advised by EIG or its Affiliates; or

(v) apply to any direct or indirect portfolio companies of investment funds, accounts or companies advised or managed by EIG or its Affiliates unless such portfolio company (A) otherwise satisfies the definition of “Affiliates” hereunder or (B) is a Purchaser or a Permitted Transferee of Series D Preferred Units.

2. Third Party Proposal . In the event that EIG, any of the Purchasers or any of their respective Affiliates receives a Proposal from a third party, the recipient of such Proposal shall promptly provide notice thereof to the Partnership and shall not cooperate with such third party.

3. Communications . Except as provided pursuant to Section 1(b)(i) above, all notices and other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be given as provided in the Purchase Agreement.

4. Amendment and Waiver . No amendment, modification, termination or cancellation of this Letter Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing signed by the Partnership, EIG and the Purchasers. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Letter Agreement shall be deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof (whether or not similar) and any waiver or any consent to any departure from the terms of any provision of this Letter Agreement shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given and shall not constitute a continuing waiver or consent.

5. Entire Agreement . This Letter Agreement is intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Letter Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to subject matter hereof.

6. Specific Performance . Damages in the event of breach of this Letter Agreement by a party hereto may be difficult, if not impossible, to ascertain, and it is therefore agreed that each such Person, in addition to and without limiting any other remedy or right it may have, shall have the right to seek an injunction or other equitable relief in any court of competent


jurisdiction, enjoining any such breach, and enforcing specifically the terms and provisions hereof, and each of the parties hereto hereby waives any and all defenses it may have on the ground of lack of jurisdiction or competence of the court to grant such an injunction or other equitable relief. The existence of this right shall not preclude any such Person from pursuing any other rights and remedies at law or in equity that such Person may have.

7. Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Letter Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Letter Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Letter Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Letter Agreement), will be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action against any party relating to the foregoing shall be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Delaware, and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Delaware over any such action. The parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

8. Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTIES TO THIS LETTER AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES TO CAUSE ITS AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (i) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (ii) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS LETTER AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES TO THIS LETTER AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS LETTER AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS LETTER AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

9. Assignment . This Letter Agreement may not be transferred or assigned (whether by operation of law or otherwise) by the parties without the prior written consent of the other parties and shall not be binding on any third party transferees of the Purchasers other than Permitted Transferees; provided , however , that, as a condition to acquiring Series D Preferred Units as a Permitted Transferee, each such Permitted Transferee must agree in a writing in the form set forth on Annex A hereto to be bound by the provisions of this Letter Agreement.


10. Severability . In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Letter Agreement is for any reason held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Letter Agreement, and such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provision shall be reformed and construed so that it will be valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. Counterparts . This Letter Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, including facsimile or .pdf counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same Letter Agreement.

[ Signature page follows ]


If the foregoing correctly sets forth our understanding of the subject matter hereof, please so indicate by executing this Letter Agreement in the space provided below.

 

Very truly yours,
NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.
By:   Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., its general partner
By:   NuStar GP, LLC, its general partner
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

Acknowledged and agreed, as of the date first written above:  

EIG MANAGEMENT COMPANY, LLC

FS/EIG ADVISOR, LLC,

on their own behalf and on behalf of the Purchasers

 

 

EIG Management Company, LLC  
By:        
Name:    
Title:    
By:            
Name:    
Title:    
FS/EIG Advisor, LLC  
By:        
Name:    
Title:    
By:        
Name:    
Title:    

 

Signature Page to Letter Agreement


EIG NOVA EQUITY AGGREGATOR, L.P.
By:   EIG Nova Equity GP, LLC,
its general partner
By:   EIG Asset Management, LLC,
its managing member
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
By:    
Name:  
Title:  
FS ENERGY AND POWER FUND
By:   FS/EIG Advisor, LLC
its Investment Advisor
By:    
Name:  
Title:  

 

Signature Page to Letter Agreement


Annex A

Form of Joinder

[Date]

NuStar Energy L.P.

19003 IH-10 West

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Reference is made to the Letter Agreement, dated as of the          day of              , 2018 (the “ Letter Agreement ”) between the Partnership, EIG and the Purchasers. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in the Letter Agreement.

The undersigned, a Permitted Transferee, acknowledges that it: (i) has been given a copy of the Letter Agreement and (ii) has reviewed all provisions of the Letter Agreement. Accordingly, the undersigned, as a condition to being a Permitted Transferee, agrees to be bound by the provisions of the Letter Agreement as a Purchaser, and to cause its Affiliates to comply with the provisions of the Letter Agreement, until such time as the undersigned and its Affiliates (1) do not beneficially own any Series D Preferred Units and (2) beneficially own less than 5% of the Common Units, and all provisions of such Letter Agreement are expressly applicable to Affiliates of the undersigned.

 

Very truly yours,
Permitted Transferee
By:    
Name:  
Title:  


Exhibit F

Form of NuStar GP, LLC Waiver

June 29, 2018

Reference is hereby made to that certain Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 26, 2018, by and among NuStar Energy L.P. (the “Partnership”) and each of the Purchasers set forth in Schedule A thereto (the “Purchase Agreement”), pursuant to which the Partnership has agreed to issue and sell an aggregate of 23,660,386 Series D Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership for a cash purchase price of $590 million. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning given such terms in the Purchase Agreement. NuStar GP, in its own capacity and in its capacity as the general partner of the General Partner, in its capacity as the general partner of the Partnership, hereby waives any preemptive rights it may hold pursuant to Section 5.7 of the Partnership Agreement, with respect to the offering, issuance and sale of Series D Preferred Units pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned executes this General Partner Waiver, effective as of the date first written above.

 

NUSTAR GP, LLC
By:    
Name:  
Title:  


Schedule A

 

Purchaser and Address

   Series D Preferred
Initial Closing
Units
     Series D
Preferred
Second Closing
Units
 

EIG Nova Equity Aggregator, L.P.

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

333 Clay Street, Suite 3500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attn: Matthew Hartman

     

With a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

     11,753,549        5,582,936  

EIG Nova Equity Aggregator, L.P.

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

333 Clay Street, Suite 3500

Houston, Texas 77002

Attn: Austin Pearson

     

FS Energy and Power Fund

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20006

Attn: Eric Long

     

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

     4,006,892        1,903,273  

FS Energy and Power Fund

c/o EIG Management Company, LLC

1700 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 800

Washington, DC 20006

Attn: Andrew P. Jamison

     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TOTAL

     15,760,441        7,486,209  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Schedule A-1


Schedule B

Material Subsidiaries

NuStar Logistics, L.P.

NuStar Permian Transportation and Storage, LLC

NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P.

NuStar Terminals N.V.

Shore Terminals LLC

St. Linden Terminal, LLC

Schedule B-1


Schedule C

Permitted Transferees

For purposes of this Purchase Agreement, Permitted Transferees means: (i) Atlantic Trust Company, N.A., (ii) Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, (iii) Anchorage Capital Partners (iv) Goldman Sachs & Co., LLC, (v) Highbridge Capital Management, LLC, (vi) Magnetar Capital LLC, (vii) Mubadala Investment Company, (viii) TPG Capital, or (ix) an investment fund, investment account or investment company, that is managed, advised or sub-advised by any of the entities listed in (i) through (viii) above.

Schedule C-1


Schedule D

Transaction Fees

 

EIG Management Company, LLC

   $ 15,400,000.00  

FS Energy and Power Fund

   $ 5,250,000.00  
  

 

 

 

Total Transaction Fees

   $ 20,650,000.00  
  

 

 

 

Reimbursable Expenses

 

EIG Management Company, LLC

   $ 725,000.00  
  

 

 

 

Total Reimbursable Expenses

   $ 725,000.00  
  

 

 

 

Schedule D-1

Exhibit 10.2

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

among

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.

and

WILLIAM E. GREEHEY

June 26, 2018


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS

     1  

Section 1.01

   Definitions      1  

Section 1.02

   Accounting Procedures and Interpretation      5  

ARTICLE II AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE

     5  

Section 2.01

   Sale and Purchase      5  

Section 2.02

   Closing      5  

Section 2.03

   Mutual Conditions at the Closing      5  

Section 2.04

   Conditions to the Purchaser’s Obligations at the Closing      5  

Section 2.05

   Conditions to the Partnership’s Obligations at the Closing      6  

Section 2.06

   Deliveries at the Closing      6  

Section 2.07

   Further Assurances      7  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS RELATED TO THE PARTNERSHIP

     7  

Section 3.01

   Existence      7  

Section 3.02

   Capitalization and Valid Issuance of Units      8  

Section 3.03

   No Material Adverse Change      8  

Section 3.04

   No Registration Required      8  

Section 3.05

   No Default      9  

Section 3.06

   No Conflicts      9  

Section 3.07

   Authority; Enforceability      9  

Section 3.08

   Listing and Maintenance Requirements      9  

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER

     10  

Section 4.01

   Capacity; Validity of Agreement      10  

Section 4.02

   No Breach      10  

Section 4.03

   Unregistered Securities      10  

Section 4.04

   Sufficient Funds      11  

ARTICLE V COVENANTS

     11  

Section 5.01

   Conduct of Business      11  

Section 5.02

   Listing of Units      12  

Section 5.03

   Use of Proceeds      12  

ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION, COSTS AND EXPENSES

     12  

Section 6.01

   Indemnification by the Partnership      12  

Section 6.02

   Indemnification by the Purchaser      12  

Section 6.03

   Indemnification Procedure      13  

Section 6.04

   Tax Matters      14  

 

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ARTICLE VII TERMINATION

     14  

Section 7.01

   Termination      14  

Section 7.02

   Certain Effects of Termination      15  

ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS

     15  

Section 8.01

   Expenses      15  

Section 8.02

   Interpretation      15  

Section 8.03

   Survival of Provisions      16  

Section 8.04

   No Waiver: Modifications in Writing      16  

Section 8.05

   Binding Effect; Assignment      16  

Section 8.06

   Non-Disclosure      16  

Section 8.07

   Communications      17  

Section 8.08

   Entire Agreement      18  

Section 8.09

   Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction      18  

Section 8.10

   Waiver of Jury Trial      18  

Section 8.11

   Exclusive Remedy      19  

Section 8.12

   No Recourse Against Others      19  

Section 8.13

   No Third-Party Beneficiaries      20  

Section 8.14

   Execution in Counterparts      20  

 

ii


PURCHASE AGREEMENT

This PURCHASE AGREEMENT , dated as of June 26, 2018 (this “ Agreement ”), is entered into by and between NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”) and WILLIAM E. GREEHEY (the “ Purchaser ”).

WHEREAS , the Partnership desires to issue and sell to the Purchaser, and the Purchaser desires to purchase from the Partnership, the Purchased Common Units (as defined below), in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements set forth herein and for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section  1.01 Definitions . Unless otherwise defined in this Agreement, terms shall have the same meaning as in the Partnership Agreement (as defined below). As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings indicated:

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls, is controlled by or is under common control with, the Person in question. As used herein, the term “control” means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Agreement, the Partnership Entities, on the one hand, and the Purchaser, on the other, shall not be considered Affiliates.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday, any federal legal holiday or day on which banking institutions in the State of New York or State of Texas are authorized or required by Law or other governmental action to close.

Closing ” has the meaning specified in Section  2.02 .

Closing Date ” means June 29, 2018.

Common Unit Purchase Price ” means $24.17.

Common Units ” means common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership.

Contract ” means any contract, agreement, indenture, note, bond, mortgage, deed of trust, loan, instrument, lease, license, commitment or other arrangement, understanding, undertaking, commitment or obligation, whether written or oral.

 

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Delaware LP Act ” means the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Funding Amount ” means an amount equal to the Common Unit Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Purchased Common Units.

GAAP ” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

General Partner ” means Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., the general partner of the Partnership.

Governmental Authority ” means, with respect to a particular Person, any country, state, county, city and political subdivision in which such Person or such Person’s Property is located or which exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property, and any court, agency, department, commission, board, bureau, official or other regulatory authority (including self-regulated organizations or other non-governmental regulatory authorities) or instrumentality of any of them and any monetary authority which exercises valid jurisdiction over any such Person or such Person’s Property. Unless otherwise specified, all references to Governmental Authority herein with respect to the Partnership mean a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the Partnership Entities or any of their respective Properties.

Indemnified Party ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.03(b) .

Indemnifying Party ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.03(b) .

Knowledge ” means, with respect to the NuStar Parties, the actual knowledge of Brad Barron and Tom Shoaf.

Law ” means any statute, law ordinance, regulation, rule, order, code, governmental restriction, decree, injunction or other requirement of law, or any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, of any Governmental Authority.

Lien ” means any mortgage, pledge, lien (statutory or otherwise), encumbrance, security interest, security agreement, conditional sale, trust receipt, charge or claim or a lease, consignment or bailment, preference or priority, assessment, deed of trust, easement, servitude or other encumbrance upon or with respect to any property of any kind.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any change, effect, event or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on (a) the business, condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of the Partnership Entities, taken as a whole or (b) the ability of any of the Partnership Entities, as applicable, to perform their obligations under this Agreement; provided, however , that any adverse changes, effects, events or occurrences resulting from or due to any of the following shall be disregarded in determining whether there has been a Material Adverse Effect: (i) changes, effects, events or occurrences generally affecting the United States or global economy, the financial, credit, debt, securities or other capital markets or political, legislative or regulatory conditions or changes

 

2


in the industries in which the Partnership Entities operate (including changes, effects, events or occurrences generally affecting the prices of commodities); (ii) changes in any Laws or regulations applicable to the Partnership Entities or applicable accounting regulations or principles or the interpretation thereof, to the extent not directly and exclusively impacting the Partnership Entities; (iii) acts of war or terrorism (or the escalation of the foregoing) or natural disasters or other acts of God; (iv) any change in the market price or trading volume of the securities of the Partnership Entities (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not preclude any other Party to this Agreement from asserting that any facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to such change that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect should be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect); (v) any failure of any of the Partnership Entities to meet any internal or external projections, forecasts or estimates of revenues, earnings or other financial or operating metrics for any period (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not preclude any other Party to this Agreement from asserting that any facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to such change that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect should be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect); (vi) any legal proceedings commenced by or involving any current or former holder of equity interests in the Partnership (on their own or on behalf of the Partnership) arising out of or relating to this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby, the Merger Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby; (vii) any nonpayment or nonperformance by Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. that results in a loss of revenues or increased liabilities to the Partnership; and (viii) the execution, announcement or pendency of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or of a reduction in the quarterly distribution of the Partnership Entities (it being understood and agreed that the foregoing shall not preclude any other Party to this Agreement from asserting that any facts or occurrences giving rise to or contributing to such change that are not otherwise excluded from the definition of Material Adverse Effect should be deemed to constitute, or be taken into account in determining whether there has been, or would reasonably be expected to be, a Material Adverse Effect).

Merger Agreement ” means the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 7, 2018 by and among the Partnership, the General Partner, NuStar GP, Marshall Merger Sub LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership, NSH and Riverwalk Holdings, as may be amended from time to time.

NS SEC Documents ” means the Partnership’s forms, registration statements, reports, schedules and statements filed (but not furnished) by it under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act, as applicable.

NSH ” NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

NuStar Entities ” means, collectively, the Partnership and the Partnership’s Subsidiaries.

NuStar GP ” means NuStar GP, LLC, the general partner of the General Partner.

NuStar Parties ” means, collectively, NuStar GP, the General Partner and the Partnership.

 

3


NYSE ” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Organizational Documents ” means, as applicable, an entity’s agreement or certificate of limited partnership, limited liability company agreement, certificate of formation, certificate or articles of incorporation, bylaws or other similar organizational documents.

Partnership ” has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Partnership Agreement ” means the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated as of November 30, 2017, as amended from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof.

Partnership Entities ” means, collectively, the NuStar Parties and NuStar Entities.

Partnership Related Parties ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.02 .

Permits ” means such permits, consents, licenses, franchises, certificates and authorization of Governmental Authorities.

Person ” means any individual, corporation, company, voluntary association, partnership, joint venture, trust, limited liability company, unincorporated organization, government or any agency, instrumentality or political subdivision thereof or any other form of entity.

Property ” means any interest in any kind of property or asset, whether real, personal or mixed, or tangible or intangible (including intellectual property rights).

Purchaser ” has the meaning specified in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.

Purchaser Related Parties ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.01 .

Purchased Common Units ” means the 413,736 Common Units purchased by the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement.

Representatives ” means, with respect to a specified Person, the investors, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, advisors, counsel, accountants, investment bankers and other representatives of such Person.

Riverwalk Holdings ” means Riverwalk Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly owned subsidiary of NSH.

SEC ” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from time to time, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Third-Party Claim ” has the meaning specified in Section  6.03(b) .

 

4


Section  1.02 Accounting Procedures and Interpretation . Unless otherwise specified herein, all accounting terms used herein shall be interpreted, all determinations with respect to accounting matters hereunder shall be made, and all financial statements of the Partnership and certificates and reports as to financial matters required to be furnished to the Purchaser hereunder shall be prepared, in accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis during the periods involved (except as may be indicated in the notes thereto or, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q promulgated by the SEC) and in compliance as to form in all material respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto.

ARTICLE II

AGREEMENT TO SELL AND PURCHASE

Section  2.01 Sale and Purchase . Subject to the terms and conditions hereof, at the Closing, the Purchaser hereby agrees to purchase from the Partnership, and the Partnership hereby agrees to issue and sell to the Purchaser, the Purchased Common Units, upon receipt by the Partnership of the Funding Amount on the Closing Date.

Section  2.02 Closing . The consummation of the purchase and sale of the Purchased Common Units (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Sidley Austin LLP, 1000 Louisiana St., Suite 6000, Houston, Texas 77002 (or such other location as agreed to by the Partnership and the Purchaser).

Section  2.03 Mutual Conditions at the Closing . The respective obligations of each party to consummate the purchase and sale of the Purchased Common Units at the Closing shall be subject to the satisfaction, on or prior to the Closing Date, of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by a party on behalf of itself in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) no statute, rule, order, decree or regulation shall have been enacted or promulgated, and no action shall have been taken, by any Governmental Authority which temporarily, preliminarily or permanently restrains, precludes, enjoins or otherwise prohibits the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or makes the transactions contemplated hereby illegal; and

(b) there shall not be pending any suit, action or proceeding by any Governmental Authority seeking to restrain, preclude, enjoin or prohibit the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section  2.04 Conditions to the Purchaser s Obligations at the Closing . The obligation of the Purchaser to consummate its purchase of the Purchased Common Units shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by the Purchaser in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) the representations and warranties of the Partnership contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties

 

5


contained in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , or Section  3.07 , or other representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of the Closing Date (except that representations and warranties made as of a specific date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only);

(b) the Partnership shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by it on or prior to the Closing Date;

(c) the NYSE shall have authorized, upon official notice of issuance, the listing of the Purchased Common Units;

(d) no notice of delisting from the NYSE shall have been received by the Partnership with respect to the Purchased Common Units;

(e) there shall not have occurred a Material Adverse Effect; and

(f) the Partnership shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to the Purchaser the Partnership’s closing deliverables described in Section  2.06(a) , as applicable.

Section  2.05 Conditions to the Partnership s Obligations at the Closing . The obligation of the Partnership to consummate the sale and issuance of the Purchased Common Units to the Purchaser shall be subject to the satisfaction on or prior to the Closing Date of each of the following conditions (any or all of which may be waived by the Partnership in writing, in whole or in part, to the extent permitted by applicable Law):

(a) the representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this Agreement shall be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of the Closing Date (except that representations and warranties made as of a specific date shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only);

(b) the Purchaser shall have performed and complied in all material respects with all of the covenants and agreements contained in this Agreement that are required to be performed or complied with by him on or prior to the Closing Date; and

(c) the Purchaser shall have delivered, or caused to be delivered, to the Partnership the applicable closing deliverables described in Section  2.06(b) , as applicable.

Section  2.06 Deliveries at the Closing .

(a) Deliveries of the Partnership at the Closing . At the Closing, the Partnership shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Purchaser:

(i) A fully executed “Supplemental Listing Application” approving the Purchased Common Units for listing by the NYSE, upon official notice of issuance;

 

6


(ii) Evidence of issuance of the Purchased Common Units credited to book-entry accounts maintained by the transfer agent of the Partnership, bearing a restrictive notation meeting the requirements of the Partnership Agreement, free and clear of any Liens, other than transfer restrictions under this Agreement, the Partnership Agreement or the Delaware LP Act and applicable federal and state securities Laws and those created by the Purchaser;

(iii) A certificate of the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NuStar GP, on behalf of the Partnership, dated the Closing Date, certifying, in such capacity, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section  2.04(a) and Section  2.04(b) contained herein have been satisfied; and

(iv) A cross-receipt executed by the Partnership and delivered to the Purchaser acknowledging the receipt by the Partnership of the Funding Amount from the Purchaser.

(b) Deliveries of the Purchaser at the Closing . At the Closing, the Purchaser, shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Partnership:

(i) A cross-receipt executed by the Purchaser and delivered to the Partnership acknowledging the receipt by the Purchaser of the Purchased Common Units from the Partnership;

(ii) a certificate of the Purchaser, dated the Closing Date, to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section  2.05(a) and Section  2.05(b) have been satisfied; and

(iii) Payment of the Purchaser’s Funding Amount payable by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account designated in advance of the Closing Date by the Partnership.

Section  2.07 Further Assurances . From time to time after the date hereof, without further consideration, the Partnership and the Purchaser shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions necessary or appropriate to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS RELATED TO THE PARTNERSHIP

The Partnership represents and warrants to and covenants with the Purchaser as follows:

Section  3.01 Existence .

(a) Each of the Partnership Entities has been duly formed or incorporated, as the case may be, and is validly existing as a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, and is in good standing under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation, as the case may be, with full corporate, limited partnership or limited liability company power and authority (i) to own, lease and operate its Properties and to conduct its business as described in the NS SEC Documents, (ii) to execute and deliver this Agreement and consummate

 

7


the transactions contemplated hereby, (iii) in the case of the Partnership, to issue, sell and deliver the Purchased Common Units, (iv) in the case of the General Partner, to act as the general partner of the Partnership and (v) in the case of NuStar GP, to act as the general partner of the General Partner.

(b) Each of the Partnership Entities is duly qualified to do business as a foreign limited partnership or limited liability company, as the case may be, and is in good standing in each jurisdiction where the ownership or lease of its Properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, except for any failures to be so qualified and in good standing that would not, individually or in the aggregate, (i) constitute a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) subject the limited partners of the Partnership to any material liability or disability.

(c) The Organizational Documents of each of the Partnership Entities have been, and, on the Closing Date, the Partnership Agreement will be, duly authorized, executed and delivered by the Partnership Entities, as applicable, and, assuming the due authorization, valid execution and delivery by the other parties thereto (other than the Partnership Entities), each Organizational Document is, and, on the Closing Date, the Partnership Agreement will be, a valid and legally binding agreement of the Partnership Entities, as applicable, enforceable against such parties in accordance with its terms; provided that, with respect to each agreement described in this Section  3.01(c) , the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law); provided further , that the indemnity, contribution and exoneration provisions contained in any of such agreements may be limited by applicable laws and public policy.

Section  3.02 Capitalization and Valid Issuance of Units . The Purchased Common Units and the limited partner interests represented thereby will be duly authorized by the Partnership prior to the Closing and, when issued and delivered to the Purchaser against payment therefor in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid (to the extent required by the Partnership Agreement) and non-assessable (except as such nonassessability may be affected by matters described in Sections 17-303, 17-607 and 17-804 of the Delaware LP Act) and will be free of any and all Liens and restrictions on transfer, other than (i) restrictions on transfer under the Partnership Agreement, this Agreement or applicable state and federal securities Laws, (ii) such Liens as are created by the Purchaser and (iii) such Liens as arise under the Partnership Agreement or the Delaware LP Act.

Section  3.03 No Material Adverse Change . Since December 31, 2017, except as described in the NS SEC Documents, there has not been any Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.04 No Registration Required . Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in ARTICLE IV , the issuance and sale of the Purchased Common Units to the Purchaser pursuant to this Agreement is exempt from registration requirements of the Securities Act, and neither the Partnership nor, to the Partnership’s Knowledge, any Person acting on its behalf, has taken nor will take any action hereafter that would cause the loss of such exemption.

 

8


Section  3.05 No Default . None of the Partnership Entities is in (i) violation of the Organizational Documents, (ii) violation of any statute, law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, order or decrees of anybody having jurisdiction over it or (iii) breach or default (or an event which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such an event) in the performance of any term, covenant or condition contained in any bond, debenture, note or any other evidence of indebtedness or in any agreement, indenture, lease or other instrument to which it is a party or by which it or any of its properties is subject, which breach, default or violation, in the case of (ii) and (iii), individually or in the aggregate, has had, or would, if continued, reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.06 No Conflicts . As of the Closing Date, none of the offering and sale by the Partnership of the Purchased Common Units, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the NuStar Parties or the consummation of any other transactions contemplated hereby (i) conflicts with or will conflict with, or constitutes or will constitute a violation of, the Organizational Documents of any of the Partnership Entities, (ii) conflicts with or will conflict with, or constitutes or will constitute a breach or violation of, or a default (or an event that, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute such a default) under, any indenture, contract, lease, mortgage, deed of trust, note agreement, loan agreement or other agreement, obligation, condition, covenant or instrument to which any of the Partnership Entities is a party or by which any of them are bound or to which any of their respective properties is subject, (iii) violates or will violate any statute, law, rule or regulation, or any judgment, order or decrees of any Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over any of the Partnership Entities or any of their properties or assets, or (iv) will result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any property or assets of any of the Partnership Entities, except, in the case of clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv), for such conflicts, breaches, violations, defaults or Liens as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

Section  3.07 Authority; Enforceability . The Partnership has all requisite power and authority under the Partnership Agreement and the Delaware LP Act to issue, sell and deliver the Purchased Common Units, in accordance with and upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Partnership Agreement. All limited partnership and limited liability company action, as the case may be, required to be taken by the Partnership Entities or any of their partners or members for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Purchased Common Units, the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby shall have been validly taken. No approval from the holders of outstanding Common Units is required under the Partnership Agreement or the rules of the NYSE in connection with the Partnership’s issuance and sale of the Purchased Common Units to the Purchaser. This Agreement has been duly and validly authorized, executed and delivered by the Partnership. This Agreement constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Partnership, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

Section  3.08 Listing and Maintenance Requirements . The Common Units are listed on the NYSE, and the Partnership has not received any notice of delisting. The issuance and sale of the Purchased Common Units do not contravene NYSE rules and regulations.

 

9


ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF THE PURCHASER

The Purchaser represents and warrants and covenants to the Partnership as follows with respect to himself:

Section  4.01 Capacity; Validity of Agreement . The Purchaser has the requisite legal capacity and authority to enter into, deliver and perform his obligations under this Agreement. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Purchaser and constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Purchaser.

Section  4.02 No Breach . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Purchaser and the consummation by the Purchaser of the transactions contemplated hereby will not (a) conflict with or result in a breach or violation of any of the terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, any material agreement to which the Purchaser is a party or by which the Purchaser is bound or to which any of the property or assets of the Purchaser is subject, or (b) violate any Law of any Governmental Authority or body having jurisdiction over the Purchaser or the property or assets of the Purchaser, except in the case of clauses (a) and (b), for such conflicts, breaches, violations or defaults as would not prevent the consummation of the transactions hereby.

Section  4.03 Unregistered Securities .

(a) Accredited Investor Status; Sophisticated Purchaser . The Purchaser is an “accredited investor” within the meaning of Rule 501 under the Securities Act and is able to bear the risk of its investment in the Purchased Common Units. The Purchaser has such knowledge and experience in financial and business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the purchase of the Purchased Common Units.

(b) Information . The Purchaser has been furnished with all materials relating to the business, finances and operations of the Partnership that have been requested and materials relating to the offer and sale of the Purchased Common Units that have been requested by the Purchaser. The Purchaser and its Representatives have been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of the Partnership. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigations conducted at any time by the Purchaser and its Representatives shall modify, amend or affect the Purchaser’s right (i) to rely on the Partnership’s representations and warranties contained in ARTICLE III above or (ii) to indemnification or any other remedy based on, or with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of, or compliance with, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements in this Agreement. The Purchaser understands that its purchase of the Purchased Common Units involves a high degree of risk. The Purchaser has sought such accounting, legal and tax advice as it has considered necessary to make an informed investment decision with respect to its acquisition of the Purchased Common Units.

(c) Residency . The Purchaser shall cooperate reasonably with the Partnership to provide any information necessary for any applicable securities filings.

 

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(d) Legends . The Purchaser understands that, until such time as the Purchased Common Units have been sold pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act, or the Purchased Common Units are eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act without any restriction as to the number of securities as of a particular date that can then be immediately sold, the Purchased Common Units will bear a restrictive legend as provided in the Partnership Agreement.

(e) Purchase Representation . The Purchaser is purchasing the Purchased Common Units for his own account and not with a view to distribution in violation of any Laws. The Purchaser has been advised and understands that the Purchased Common Units have not been registered under the Securities Act or under the “blue sky” laws of any jurisdiction and may be resold only if registered pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Act (or if eligible, pursuant to the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act or pursuant to another available exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act). The Purchaser has been advised and understands that the Partnership, in issuing the Purchased Common Units, is relying upon, among other things, the representations and warranties of the Purchaser contained in this ARTICLE IV in concluding that such issuance is a “private offering” and is exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act.

(f) Rule  144 . The Purchaser has been advised of and is aware of the provisions of Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

(g) Reliance by the Partnership . The Purchaser understands that the Purchased Common Units are being offered and sold in reliance on a transactional exemption from the registration requirements of federal and state securities Laws and that the Partnership is relying upon the truth and accuracy of the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of the Purchaser set forth herein in order to determine the applicability of such exemptions and the suitability of the Purchaser to acquire the Purchased Common Units.

Section  4.04 Sufficient Funds . The Purchaser will have available to him at the Closing sufficient funds to enable the Purchaser to pay in full at the Closing the Funding Amount in immediately available cash funds.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS

Section  5.01 Conduct of Business . Except where failing use such efforts would not have a Material Adverse Effect, during the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending on the Closing Date each of the Partnership Entities will use commercially reasonable efforts to (i) conduct its business in the ordinary course of business (other than as contemplated by the Merger Agreement) and (ii) preserve intact its existence and business organization, Permits, goodwill and present business relationships with all material customers, suppliers, licensors, distributors and others having significant business relationships with the Partnership Entities (or any of them), to the extent the Partnership believes in its sole discretion that such relationships are and continue to be beneficial to the Partnership Entities and their businesses; provided , however , that during such period, the Partnership shall provide reasonably prompt written notice to the Purchaser regarding any material adverse developments in respect of the foregoing.

 

11


Section  5.02 Listing of Units . Prior to the Closing, the Partnership will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain approval for listing, subject to notice of issuance, of the Purchased Common Units on the NYSE.

Section  5.03 Use of Proceeds . The Partnership shall use the proceeds of the offering of the Purchased Common Units to repay indebtedness of the Partnership or for general partnership purposes.

ARTICLE VI

INDEMNIFICATION, COSTS AND EXPENSES

Section  6.01 Indemnification by the Partnership . The Partnership agrees to indemnify the Purchaser and its Representatives (collectively, the “ Purchaser Related Parties ”) from costs, losses, liabilities, damages or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all actions, suits, proceedings (including any investigations, litigation or inquiries), demands and causes of action, and, in connection therewith, promptly upon demand, pay or reimburse each of them for all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and all other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such matter that may be incurred by them or asserted against or involve any of them), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim, as a result of, arising out of, or in any way related to (a) the failure of any of the representations or warranties made by the Partnership contained herein to be true and correct in all material respects (other than those representations and warranties contained in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , or Section  3.07 , or other representations and warranties that are qualified by materiality or Material Adverse Effect, which, in each case, shall be true and correct in all respects) when made and as of the Closing Date (except for any representations and warranties made as of a specific date, which shall be required to be true and correct in all material respects as of such date only) or (b) the breach of any covenants of the Partnership contained herein; provided that, in the case of the immediately preceding clause (a), such claim for indemnification is made prior to the expiration of the survival period of such representation or warranty; provided , further , that for purposes of determining when an indemnification claim has been made, the date upon which the Purchaser Related Party shall have given notice (stating in reasonable detail the basis of the claim for indemnification) to the Partnership shall constitute the date upon which such claim has been made; and provided , further , that the aggregate liability of the Partnership to the Purchaser and its Representatives pursuant to this Section  6.01 shall not be greater in amount than the Funding Amount as of the date of the Indemnification notice described in Section  6.03(a) . No Purchaser Related Party shall be entitled to recover special, indirect, exemplary, lost profits, speculative or punitive damages under this Section  6.01 ; provided , however , that such limitation shall not prevent any Purchaser Related Party from recovering under this Section  6.01 for any such damages to the extent that such damages are payable to a third party in connection with any Third-Party Claims. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement, no provision contained herein shall limit, restrict or otherwise alter the right of the Purchaser to indemnification by any of the Partnership Entities under any other agreement.

Section  6.02 Indemnification by the Purchaser . The Purchaser agrees to indemnify the Partnership, the General Partner, NuStar GP and their respective Representatives (collectively, the “ Partnership Related Parties ”) from, all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any

 

12


kind or nature whatsoever, and hold each of them harmless against, any and all actions, suits, proceedings (including any investigations, litigation or inquiries), demands, and causes of action, and, in connection therewith, promptly upon demand, pay or reimburse each of them for all costs, losses, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind or nature whatsoever (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel and all other reasonable expenses incurred in connection with investigating, defending or preparing to defend any such matter that may be incurred by them or asserted against or involve any of them), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim, as a result of, arising out of, or in any way related to (a) the failure of any of the representations or warranties made by the Purchaser contained herein to be true and correct in all material respects as of the date made (except to the extent any representation or warranty includes the word “material,” Material Adverse Effect or words of similar import, with respect to which such representation or warranty, or applicable portions thereof, must have been true and correct in all respects) or (b) the breach of any of the covenants or obligations of any the Purchaser contained herein (including failure to deliver payment pursuant to the Funding Amount); provided that, in the case of the immediately preceding clause  (a) , such claim for indemnification relating to a breach of any representation or warranty is made prior to the expiration of the survival period of such representation or warranty; and provided , further , that for purposes of determining when an indemnification claim has been made, the date upon which a Partnership Related Party shall have given notice (stating in reasonable detail the basis of the claim for indemnification) to the Purchaser shall constitute the date upon which such claim has been made; and provided , further , that the liability of any Purchaser shall not be greater in amount than the Funding Amount plus any distributions paid to the Purchaser with respect to the Purchased Common Units. No Partnership Related Party shall be entitled to recover special, indirect, exemplary, lost profits, speculative or punitive damages under this Section  6.02 ; provided , however , that such limitation shall not prevent any Partnership Related Party from recovering under this Section  6.02 for any such damages to the extent that such damages are payable to a third party in connection with any Third-Party Claims.

Section  6.03 Indemnification Procedure .

(a) A claim for indemnification for any matter not involving a Third-Party Claim may be asserted by notice to the party from whom indemnification is sought; provided , however , that failure to so notify the indemnifying party shall not preclude the indemnified party from any indemnification which it may claim in accordance with this Article VI , except as otherwise provided in Section  6.01 and Section  6.02 .

(b) Promptly after any Partnership Related Party or Purchaser Related Party (hereinafter, the “ Indemnified Party ”) has received notice of any indemnifiable claim hereunder, or the commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by a third person, which the Indemnified Party believes in good faith is an indemnifiable claim under this Agreement (each a “ Third-Party Claim ”), the Indemnified Party shall give the indemnitor hereunder (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) written notice of such Third-Party Claim, but failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying Party from any liability it may have to such Indemnified Party hereunder except to the extent that the Indemnifying Party is materially prejudiced by such failure. Such notice shall state the nature and the basis of such Third-Party Claim to the extent then known. The Indemnifying Party shall have the right to defend and settle, at its own expense and by its own counsel who shall be reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party, any such matter as long as

 

13


the Indemnifying Party pursues the same diligently and in good faith. If the Indemnifying Party undertakes to defend or settle, it shall promptly, and in no event later than ten (10) days, notify the Indemnified Party of its intention to do so, and the Indemnified Party shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party and its counsel in all commercially reasonable respects in the defense thereof and the settlement thereof. Such cooperation shall include, but shall not be limited to, furnishing the Indemnifying Party with any books, records and other information reasonably requested by the Indemnifying Party and in the Indemnified Party’s possession or control. Such cooperation of the Indemnified Party shall be at the cost of the Indemnifying Party. After the Indemnifying Party has notified the Indemnified Party of its intention to undertake to defend or settle any such asserted liability, and for so long as the Indemnifying Party diligently pursues such defense, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for any additional legal expenses incurred by the Indemnified Party in connection with any defense or settlement of such asserted liability; provided , however , that the Indemnified Party shall be entitled (i) at its expense, to participate in the defense of such asserted liability and the negotiations of the settlement thereof and (ii) if (A) the Indemnifying Party has, within ten (10) Business Days of when the Indemnified Party provides written notice of a Third-Party Claim, failed (1) to assume the defense or employ counsel reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party or (2) to notify the Indemnified Party of such assumption or (B) if the defendants in any such action include both the Indemnified Party and the Indemnifying Party and counsel to the Indemnified Party shall have concluded that there may be reasonable defenses available to the Indemnified Party that are different from or in addition to those available to the Indemnifying Party or if the interests of the Indemnified Party reasonably may be deemed to conflict with the interests of the Indemnifying Party, then the Indemnified Party shall have the right to select a separate counsel and to assume such legal defense and otherwise to participate in the defense of such action, with the expenses and fees of such separate counsel and other expenses related to such participation to be reimbursed by the Indemnifying Party as incurred. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Indemnifying Party shall not settle any indemnified claim without the consent of the Indemnified Party, unless the settlement thereof imposes no liability or obligation on, and includes a complete release from liability of, and does not include any admission of wrongdoing or malfeasance by, the Indemnified Party.

Section  6.04 Tax Matters . All indemnification payments under this Article VI shall be treated as adjustments to the applicable Purchaser’s Funding Amount for all Tax purposes except as otherwise required by applicable Law.

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION

Section  7.01 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Closing:

(a) by mutual written consent of the Partnership and the Purchaser;

(b) by written notice from either the Partnership or the Purchaser, if any Governmental Authority with lawful jurisdiction shall have issued a final order, decree or ruling or taken any other final action restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and such order, decree, ruling or other action is or shall have become final and nonappealable; or

 

14


(c) by written notice from the Partnership or the Purchaser, if the Closing does not occur by 11:59 p.m. on June 29, 2018; provided , however , that no party may terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section  7.01(c) if such party is, at the time of providing such written notice, in breach of any of its obligations under this Agreement.

Section  7.02 Certain Effects of Termination . In the event that this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section  7.01 , except as set forth in Section  7.02 or 8.03 , this Agreement shall become null and void and have no further force or effect, but the parties shall not be released from any liability arising from or in connection with any breach hereof occurring prior to such termination.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section  8.01 Expenses . All costs and expenses, including fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

Section  8.02 Interpretation . Article, Section, Schedule and Exhibit references in this Agreement are references to the corresponding Article, Section, Schedule or Exhibit to this Agreement, unless otherwise specified. All Exhibits and Schedules to this Agreement are hereby incorporated and made a part hereof as if set forth in full herein and are an integral part of this Agreement. All references to instruments, documents, Contracts and agreements are references to such instruments, documents, Contracts and agreements as the same may be amended, supplemented and otherwise modified from time to time, unless otherwise specified. The word “including” shall mean “including but not limited to” and shall not be construed to limit any general statement that it follows to the specific or similar items or matters immediately following it. Whenever the Partnership has an obligation under this Agreement, the expense of complying with that obligation shall be an expense of the Partnership unless otherwise specified. Any reference in this Agreement to “$” shall mean U.S. dollars. Whenever any determination, consent or approval is to be made or given by the Purchaser, such action shall be in the Purchaser’s sole discretion, unless otherwise specified in this Agreement. If any provision in this Agreement is held to be illegal, invalid, not binding or unenforceable, (a) such provision shall be fully severable and this Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal, invalid, not binding or unenforceable provision had never comprised a part of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect, and (b) the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible. When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded. If the last day of such period is not a Business Day, the period in question shall end on the next succeeding Business Day. Any words imparting the singular number only shall include the plural and vice versa. The words such as “herein,” “hereinafter,” “hereof” and “hereunder” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not merely to a subdivision in which such words appear unless the context otherwise requires. The provision of a Table of Contents, the division of this Agreement into Articles, Sections and other subdivisions and the insertion of headings are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect or be utilized in construing or interpreting this Agreement.

 

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Section  8.03 Survival of Provisions . The representations and warranties set forth in Section  3.01 , Section  3.02 , Section  3.07 , Section  4.01 , Section  4.03(a) , Section  4.03(b) and Section  4.03(e) hereunder shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement indefinitely and the other representations and warranties set forth herein shall survive for a period of 12 months following the Closing Date, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Partnership or the Purchaser. The covenants made in this Agreement shall survive the Closing and remain operative and in full force and effect regardless of acceptance of any of the Purchased Common Units and payment therefor and repayment, conversion or repurchase thereof. Regardless of any purported general termination of this Agreement, the provisions of ARTICLE VI and all indemnification rights and obligations thereunder, ARTICLE VII and this ARTICLE VIII shall remain operative and in full force and effect, unless the applicable parties execute a writing that expressly (with specific references to the applicable Section or subsection of this Agreement) terminates such rights and obligations.

Section  8.04 No Waiver: Modifications in Writing .

(a) Delay . No failure or delay on the part of any party in exercising any right, power or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right, power or remedy preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or remedy. The remedies provided for herein are cumulative and are not exclusive of any remedies that may be available to a party at law or in equity or otherwise.

(b) Specific Waiver . Except as otherwise provided herein, no amendment, waiver, consent, modification or termination of any provision of this Agreement (except in the case of the Partnership Agreement for amendments adopted pursuant to the provisions thereof) shall be effective unless signed by each of the parties. Any amendment, supplement or modification of or to any provision of this Agreement, any waiver of any provision of this Agreement and any consent to any departure by the Partnership from the terms of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which made or given. Except where notice is specifically required by this Agreement, no notice to or demand on the Partnership in any case shall entitle the Partnership to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances. Any investigation by or on behalf of any party shall not be deemed to constitute a waiver by the party taking such action of compliance with any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained herein.

Section  8.05 Binding Effect; Assignment . This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, this Agreement shall not be construed so as to confer any right or benefit upon any Person other than the parties to this Agreement and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

Section  8.06 Non-Disclosure .

(a) Other than filings made by the Partnership with the SEC, the Partnership and any of its Representatives may disclose the identity of, or any other information concerning, the Purchaser or any of his respective Affiliates only after providing the Purchaser a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on such disclosure (with such comments being incorporated

 

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or reflected, to the extent reasonable, in any such disclosure); provided , however , that nothing in this Section  8.06 shall delay any required filing or other disclosure with the NYSE or any Governmental Authority or otherwise hinder the NuStar Entities’ or their Representatives’ ability to timely comply with all Laws or rules and regulations of the NYSE or other Governmental Authority.

(b) Except as described in Section  8.06(a) , prior to making any public statements or issuing any press releases with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each party will consult with the other parties hereto and consider in good faith any comments provided by such other parties; provided that no party will make any public statement or issue any press release that attributes comments to any other party or that indicates the approval of any other party of the contents of any such public statement or press release (or portion thereof) without the prior written approval of the other parties hereto.

Section  8.07 Communications . All notices and demands provided for hereunder shall be in writing and shall be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, telecopy, electronic mail, air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery or personal delivery to the following addresses

 

  (a) If to the Purchaser, to:

William E. Greehey

19003 IH-10 West

San Antonio, Texas 78257

 

  (b) If to the Partnership, to:

NuStar Energy L.P.

19003 IH-10 West

San Antonio, Texas 78257

Attention: Amy L. Perry, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate

Secretary

with a copy to (which shall not constitute notice):

Sidley Austin LLP

1000 Louisiana Street

Suite 6000

Houston, TX 77002

Attention: George J. Vlahakos

Email: gvlahakos@sidley.com

or to such other address as the Partnership or the Purchaser may designate in writing. All notices and communications shall be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; upon actual receipt if sent by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, or regular mail, if mailed; upon actual receipt of the facsimile, if sent via facsimile; when sent, if sent by electronic mail prior to 5:00 p.m. Houston, Texas time on a Business Day, or on the next succeeding Business Day, if not; and upon actual receipt when delivered to an air courier guaranteeing overnight delivery.

 

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Section  8.08 Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the other agreements and documents referred to herein are intended by the parties as a final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive statement of the agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect of the subject matter contained herein and therein. There are no restrictions, promises, warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to in this Agreement, with respect to the rights granted by the Partnership or any of its Affiliates or the Purchaser or any of his Affiliates. This Agreement and the other agreements and documents referred to herein or therein supersede all prior agreements and understandings among the parties with respect to such subject matter.

Section  8.09 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction . This Agreement, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement), will be construed in accordance with and governed by the Laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of laws. Any action against any party relating to the foregoing shall be brought in any federal or state court of competent jurisdiction located within the State of Delaware, and the parties hereto hereby irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court located within the State of Delaware over any such action. The parties hereby irrevocably waive, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any objection which they may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any such dispute brought in such court or any defense of inconvenient forum for the maintenance of such dispute. Each of the parties hereto agrees that a judgment in any such dispute may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law.

Section  8.10 Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY WAIVES, AND AGREES TO CAUSE ITS AFFILIATES TO WAIVE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY OR OTHERWISE. THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT EACH HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.

 

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Section  8.11 Exclusive Remedy .

(a) Each party hereto hereby acknowledges and agrees that the rights of each party to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby are special, unique and of extraordinary character and that, if any party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by it herein, the non-breaching party may be without an adequate remedy at law. If any party violates or fails or refuses to perform any covenant or agreement made by such party herein, the non-breaching party subject to the terms hereof and in addition to any remedy at law for damages or other relief, may (at any time prior to the valid termination of this Agreement pursuant to ARTICLE VII ) institute and prosecute an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce specific performance of such covenant or agreement or seek any other equitable relief.

(b) The sole and exclusive remedy for any and all claims arising under, out of, or related to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, shall be the rights of indemnification set forth in Article VI only, and no Person will have any other entitlement, remedy or recourse, whether in contract, tort or otherwise, it being agreed that all of such other remedies, entitlements and recourse are expressly waived and released by the parties hereto to the fullest extent permitted by Law. Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement shall limit or otherwise restrict a fraud claim brought by any party hereto or the right to seek specific performance pursuant to Section  8.11(a) .

Section  8.12 No Recourse Against Others .

(a) All claims, obligations, liabilities or causes of action (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute) that may be based upon, in respect of, arise under, out or by reason of, be connected with or relate in any manner to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any representation or warranty made in, in connection with, or as an inducement to, this Agreement), may be made only against (and are expressly limited to) the Partnership and the Purchaser. No Person other than the Partnership or the Purchaser, including no member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate or Representative thereof, nor any member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate or Representative of any of the foregoing, shall have any liability (whether in contract or in tort, in law or in equity, or granted by statute) for any claims, causes of action, obligations or liabilities arising under, out of, in connection with or related in any manner to this Agreement or based on, in respect of or by reason of this Agreement or its negotiation, execution, performance or breach; and, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, each of the Partnership and the Purchaser hereby waives and releases all such liabilities, claims, causes of action and obligations against any such third Person.

(b) Without limiting the foregoing, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, (i) each of the Partnership and the Purchaser hereby waives and releases any and all rights, claims, demands or causes of action that may otherwise be available at law or in equity, or granted by statute, to avoid or disregard the entity form of the other or otherwise impose liability of the other on any third Person in respect of the transactions contemplated hereby, whether granted by statute or based on theories of equity, agency, control, instrumentality, alter ego, domination, sham, single business enterprise, piercing the veil, unfairness, undercapitalization or otherwise; and (ii) each of the Partnership and the Purchaser disclaims any reliance upon any third Person with respect to the performance of this Agreement or any representation or warranty made in, in connection with or as an inducement to this Agreement.

 

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Section  8.13 No Third-Party Beneficiaries . Except as set forth in Article VI , nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any Person, other than the Partnership, the Purchaser and, for purposes of Section  8.12 only, any member, partner, stockholder, Affiliate or Representative of the Partnership, any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

Section  8.14 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which counterparts, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same agreement.

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto execute this Agreement, effective as of the date first above written.

 

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.
By:   RIVERWALK LOGISTICS, L.P., its General Partner
  By:   NUSTAR GP, LLC, its General Partner
  By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
  Name: Thomas R. Shoaf
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Signature Page of the Purchase Agreement (Greehey)


WILLIAM E. GREEHEY
/s/ William E. Greehey

Signature Page of the Purchase Agreement (Greehey)

Exhibit 10.3

Execution Version

 

 

 

FIFTH AMENDMENT

TO

AMENDED AND RESTATED

5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

dated as of

June 29, 2018

among

NUSTAR LOGISTICS, L.P.,

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.,

JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent,

and

The Lenders Party Hereto

 

 

 


FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED

5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Fifth Amendment ”) dated as of June 29, 2018 is among NUSTAR LOGISTICS, L.P. , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Borrower ”); NUSTAR ENERGY L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ MLP ”); NUSTAR PIPELINE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P. , a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Subsidiary Guarantor ” and, together with the Borrower and the MLP, the “ Obligors ”); JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. , as administrative agent (in such capacity, together with its successors in such capacity, the “ Administrative Agent ”) for the lenders party to the Credit Agreement referred to below (collectively, the “ Lenders ”); and the undersigned Lenders.

R E C I T A L S

A. The Borrower, the MLP, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders are parties to that certain Amended and Restated 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of October 29, 2014 (as amended, modified or supplemented prior to the date hereof, the “ Credit Agreement ”), pursuant to which the Lenders have made certain extensions of credit available to the Borrower.

B. The Subsidiary Guarantor is a party to that certain Amended and Restated Subsidiary Guaranty Agreement dated as of October 29, 2014 made by each of the Guarantors (as defined therein) in favor of the Administrative Agent (the “ Subsidiary Guaranty ”).

C. The Borrower has requested and the Lenders have agreed to amend certain provisions of the Credit Agreement.

D. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants herein contained, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

Section 1. Defined Terms . Each capitalized term used herein but not otherwise defined herein has the meaning given such term in the Credit Agreement. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to Sections in this Fifth Amendment refer to Sections of the Credit Agreement.

Section 2. Amendments to Credit Agreement .

2.1 Amendments to Section  1.01 . Section 1.01 is hereby amended as follows:

(a) Each of the following definitions is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Calculation Date ” means (a) December 28, 2018, (b) each day as the Administrative Agent shall from time to time designate in its sole discretion as a “Calculation Date” and (c) each Extension Effective Date.

Change in Control ” means any of the following events:

(a) 100% (and not less than 100%) of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the general partner of the Borrower shall cease to be owned, directly or indirectly, or the Borrower shall cease to be Controlled, by the MLP; or


(b) 100% (and not less than 100%) of the limited partnership interests of the Borrower shall cease to be owned in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, by the MLP; or

(c) prior to the Simplification Effective Time, the occurrence of any transaction that results in any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) other than a Permitted Holder becoming the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the general partner interests in the MLP; or

(d) a “Change of Control” or “Change in Control” (or similar event) occurs under the Series D Preferred Units; or

(e) from and after the Simplification Effective Time:

(i) 100% (and not less than 100%) of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the general partner of the MLP shall cease to be owned, directly or indirectly, or the general partner of the MLP shall cease to be Controlled, directly or indirectly, by the MLP; or

(ii) Riverwalk Logistics ceases to be the sole general partner of the MLP; or NuStar GP ceases to be the sole general partner of Riverwalk Logistics; or

(iii) the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any “person” or “group” (as such terms are used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), of Equity Interests representing more than 35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the MLP; or

(iv) the board of directors (or other equivalent governing body) of NuStar GP ceases to be the applicable governing body of the MLP; or

(v) occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors (or other equivalent governing body) of NuStar GP by Persons who were not (A) directors of NuStar GP as of the Simplification Effective Time, or nominated or appointed by the board of directors (or other equivalent governing body) of NuStar GP or (B) appointed by directors so nominated or appointed.

Commitment ” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.07 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 2.17 or Section 10.04. The amount of each Lender’s Commitment as of the Fifth Amendment Effective Date is set forth on Schedule 2.01, or in the Assignment and Assumption or other documentation contemplated hereby pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Commitment, as applicable. The aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Commitments as of the Fifth Amendment Effective Date is $1,575,000,000.

 

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Hybrid Equity Securities ” means, on any date (the “ determination date ”), any securities issued by the MLP, the Borrower or a financing vehicle of the Borrower or the MLP, other than common stock, that meet the following criteria: (a) the Borrower demonstrates that such securities receive at least 50% equity credit from at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs) and (b) such securities require no repayments or prepayments and no mandatory redemptions or repurchases, in each case, prior to at least 91 days after the Maturity Date (determined as of the date of issuance thereof). As used in this definition, “mandatory redemption” shall not include conversion of a security into common stock.

Pro Forma Compliance ” means, for any date of determination, that the MLP is in pro forma compliance with (i) the Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio covenant set forth in Section 6.11, as such ratio is recomputed using (a) Consolidated Debt as of the last day of the most recently ended fiscal quarter of the MLP for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b) plus any additional Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 6.01(a) and Section 6.01(f) since such last day (giving effect to any repayments and prepayments of Indebtedness since such last day) over (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the then most recent Rolling Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b) and (ii) the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio covenant set forth in Section 6.12, as such ratio is recomputed using (a) Consolidated EBITDA for the then most recent Rolling Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b) over (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for the then most recent Rolling Period for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or Section 5.01(b), determined on a pro forma basis as if any Indebtedness incurred since the last day of such Rolling Period and any Indebtedness incurred on such date of determination, and the application of proceeds therefrom (including any repayments and prepayments of Indebtedness with such proceeds), had occurred at the beginning of such Rolling Period. For the avoidance of doubt, for this purpose, Consolidated EBITDA shall be adjusted to give pro forma effect to permitted acquisitions or Investments (other than Joint Ventures) or sales of property by the MLP and its Restricted Subsidiaries.

(b) The following definitions are hereby added to Section 1.01 in their appropriate alphabetical order:

Consolidated Interest Expense ” means, for any period, the sum (determined without duplication) of (a) the consolidated interest expense of the MLP and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued, determined in accordance with GAAP, and (b) all cash dividend payments or other cash distributions in respect of any series of preferred equity of the MLP or its Restricted Subsidiaries made during such period.

Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio ” means, for any Rolling Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for such Rolling Period to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for such Rolling Period.

Fifth Amendment Effective Date ” has the meaning given such term in that certain Fifth Amendment to Amended and Restated 5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2018 among the Borrower, the MLP, the Subsidiary Guarantor, the Administrative Agent, and the Lenders party thereto.

Series D Preferred Units ” means the MLP’s Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the MLP issued or to be issued pursuant to the Partnership Agreement (MLP).

 

3


(c) Clause (b) of the definition of “Indebtedness” is hereby amended by adding the phrase “other than the Series D Preferred Units” immediately after the phrase “sinking fund provisions” appearing therein.

2.2 Amendment to Section  2.07 . Section 2.07 is hereby amended by adding a new clause (d) to read in its entirety as follows:

(d) On December 28, 2018, the total Commitments shall be reduced automatically (without any further action) by an amount equal to $175,000,000. Such reduction of the Commitments shall be permanent and shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments. In connection therewith, after giving effect to such automatic reduction of the total Commitments, the Borrower shall prepay the Borrowings (and/or cash collateralize LC Exposure) to the extent required by Section 2.09(c).

2.3 Amendment to Section  5.01(c) . Section 5.01(c) is hereby amended by replacing the reference to “Section 6.11” with a reference to “Section 6.11 and Section 6.12”.

2.4 Amendment to Section  6.09 . Section 6.09 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety to read as follows:

Section 6.09 Limitation on Modifications of Other Agreements . It will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, amend, modify or change, or consent to any amendment, modification or change to, any of the terms of, the Partnership Agreement (MLP) (a) in any manner relating to the Series D Preferred Units, to the extent that such amendment, modification or change is adverse to the Lenders in any material respect (it being agreed that any change to the terms of the Series D Preferred Units resulting in the Series D Preferred Units ceasing to have at least 50% equity credit from at least two Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs) shall be deemed to be materially adverse to the Lenders) or (b) in any manner not relating to the Series D Preferred Units, except to the extent the same could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

2.5 Amendment to Article VI . Article VI is hereby amended by (a) replacing the phrase “Financial Condition Covenant” in the title of Section 6.11 with the phrase “Consolidated Debt Coverage Ratio” and (b) adding a new Section 6.12 and a new Section 6.13, each to read in its entirety as follows:

Section 6.12 Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio . The MLP will not permit, as of the last day of each Rolling Period, commencing with the Rolling Period ending June 30, 2018, the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for the Rolling Period ending on such day, to be less than 1.75 to 1.00.

Section 6.13 Limitation on Series D Preferred Unit Issuances . From and after the Fifth Amendment Effective Date, without the prior written consent of the Required Lenders, the MLP will not issue any Series D Preferred Units, other than Series D Preferred Units in an aggregate amount not to exceed $200,000,000.

 

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2.6 Amendment to Schedules . Schedule 2.01 is hereby amended and restated in its entirety in the form attached hereto as Schedule 2.01.

Section 3. Conditions Precedent . This Fifth Amendment shall not become effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 10.02) (the “ Fifth Amendment Effective Date ”):

3.1 The Administrative Agent shall have received from the Required Lenders, the Borrower, the MLP and the Subsidiary Guarantor, counterparts (in such number as may be requested by the Administrative Agent) of this Fifth Amendment signed on behalf of such Persons.

3.2 The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable, if any, in connection with this Fifth Amendment on or prior to the Fifth Amendment Effective Date, including (i) to the extent invoiced, reimbursement or payment of all out-of-pocket expenses required to be reimbursed or paid by the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and (ii) an amendment fee payable to the Administrative Agent, for the account of each Lender that has executed this Fifth Amendment (each such Lender, a “ Consenting Lender ”), in an amount equal to the product of 0.10% multiplied by such Consenting Lender’s Commitment (as such term is amended by Section 2.1(a) of this Fifth Amendment) on the Fifth Amendment Effective Date.

3.3 The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the MLP certifying that (a) prior to or concurrently with the Fifth Amendment Effective Date, the MLP has issued Series D Preferred Units and received proceeds in a gross amount of not less than approximately $400,000,000, (b) Moody’s has confirmed to the MLP that the Series D Preferred Units will receive 100% equity credit from Moody’s (it being understood that the official public pronouncement of such equity credit rating is expected occur reasonably promptly after the Fifth Amendment Effective Date) and Fitch Ratings has confirmed to the MLP that the Series D Preferred Units will receive 50% equity credit from Fitch Ratings and (c) after giving pro forma effect to such issuance and the use of proceeds thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and the MLP shall be in Pro Forma Compliance (as such term is amended by Section 2.1(a) of this Fifth Amendment).

3.4 The Administrative Agent shall have received such other documents as the Administrative Agent or special counsel to the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

The Administrative Agent is hereby authorized and directed to declare this Fifth Amendment to be effective (and the Fifth Amendment Effective Date shall occur) when it has received documents confirming or certifying, to the satisfaction of the Administrative Agent, compliance with the conditions set forth in this Section 3 or the waiver of such conditions as permitted in Section 10.02, which must occur prior to 1:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 15, 2018 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived prior to such time, the Administrative Agent shall no longer be authorized to declare this Fifth Amendment to be effective (and the Fifth Amendment Effective Date shall not occur)). Such declaration shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties to the Credit Agreement for all purposes.

Section 4. Miscellaneous .

4.1 Confirmation . The provisions of the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Fifth Amendment, shall remain in full force and effect following the effectiveness of this Fifth Amendment.

 

5


4.2 Ratification and Affirmation; Representations and Warranties . Each Obligor hereby: (a) acknowledges the terms of this Fifth Amendment; (b) ratifies and affirms its obligations under, and acknowledges, renews and extends its continued liability under, each Loan Document to which it is a party and agrees that each Loan Document to which it is a party remains in full force and effect, except as expressly amended hereby, after giving effect to the amendments contained herein; (c) agrees that from and after the Fifth Amendment Effective Date each reference to the Credit Agreement in the Subsidiary Guaranty and the other Loan Documents shall be deemed to be a reference to the Credit Agreement, as amended by this Fifth Amendment; and (d) represents and warrants to the Lenders that as of the date hereof, after giving effect to the terms of this Fifth Amendment: (i) all of the representations and warranties contained in each Loan Document to which it is a party are true and correct, unless such representations and warranties are stated to relate to a specific earlier date, in which case, such representations and warranties shall continue to be true and correct as of such earlier date and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing.

4.3 Loan Document . This Fifth Amendment is a “Loan Document” as defined and described in the Credit Agreement and all of the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement relating to Loan Documents shall apply hereto.

4.4 Counterparts . This Fifth Amendment may be executed by one or more of the parties hereto in any number of separate counterparts, and all of such counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of this Fifth Amendment by facsimile or email transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

4.5 NO ORAL AGREEMENT . THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT, THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS EXECUTED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH AND THEREWITH REPRESENT THE FINAL AGREEMENT AMONG THE PARTIES AND MAY NOT BE CONTRADICTED BY EVIDENCE OF PRIOR, CONTEMPORANEOUS, OR UNWRITTEN ORAL AGREEMENTS OF THE PARTIES. THERE ARE NO ORAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE PARTIES.

4.6 GOVERNING LAW . THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY HEREOF) SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

[SIGNATURES BEGIN ON NEXT PAGE]

 

6


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Fifth Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

NUSTAR LOGISTICS, L.P.
By:   NuStar GP, Inc., its General Partner
  By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
  Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.
By:   Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., its General Partner
By:   NuStar GP, LLC, its General Partner
  By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
  Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

NUSTAR PIPELINE OPERATING PARTNERSHIP L.P.
By:   NuStar Pipeline Company, LLC, its General Partner
  By:   /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf
  Name:   Thomas R. Shoaf
  Title:   Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., as a Lender and as Administrative Agent
By:   /s/ Travis Watson
Name:   Travis Watson
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


MIZUHO BANK, LTD., as a Lender
By:   /s/ Donna DeMagistris
Name:   Donna DeMagistris
Title:   Authorized Signature

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Sean Piper
Name:   Sean Piper
Title:   AVP

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


SUNTRUST BANK, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Carmen Malizia
Name:   Carmen Malizia
Title:   Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Borden Tennant
Name:   Borden Tennant
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
By:   /s/ Kimberly Miller
Name:   Kimberly Miller
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


MUFG BANK, LTD., FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD., as a Lender
By:   /s/ Stephen W. Warfel
Name:   Stephen W. Warfel
Title:   Managing Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


BARCLAYS BANK PLC, as a Lender
By:   /s Sydney G. Dennis
Name:   Sydney G. Dennis
Title:   Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


COMPASS BANK, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Mark H. Wolf
Name:   Mark H. Wolf
Title:   Senior Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


DNB CAPITAL LLC, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Robert Dupree
Name:   Robert Dupree
Title:   Senior Vice President

 

By:   /s/ James Grubb
Name:   James Grubb
Title:   First Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


ROYAL BANK OF CANADA, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Kristan Spivey
Name:   Kristan Spivey
Title:   Authorized Signatory

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


SUMITOMO MITSUI BANKING CORPORATION, as a Lender
By:   /s/ James Weinstein
Name:   James Weinstein
Title:   Managing Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Mark Salierno
Name:   Mark Salierno
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Joe Lattanzi
Name:   Joe Lattanzi
Title:   Managing Director

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


BRANCH BANKING AND TRUST COMPANY, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Lincoln LaCour
Name:   Lincoln LaCour
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


CITIBANK, N.A., as a Lender
By:   /s/ Michael Zeller
Name:   Michael Zeller
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


COMERICA BANK, as a Lender
By:   /s/ L. J. Perenyi
Name:   L. J. Perenyi
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


FROST BANK, as a Lender
By:   /s/ M. Luke Healy
Name:   M. Luke Healy
Title:   Vice President

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


FIRST COMMERCIAL BANK NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Bill Wang
Name:   Bill Wang
Title:   Senior Vice President & General Manager

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


THE TORONTO-DOMINION BANK, NEW YORK BRANCH, as a Lender
By:   /s/ Annie Dorval
Name:   Annie Dorval
Title:   Authorized Signature

SIGNATURE PAGE TO FIFTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED

AND RESTATED 5-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT


SCHEDULE 2.01

Commitments

 

LENDER

   COMMITMENT  

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.

   $ 93,600,000.00  

Mizuho Bank, Ltd.

   $ 93,600,000.00  

PNC Bank, National Association

   $ 93,600,000.00  

SunTrust Bank

   $ 93,600,000.00  

Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

   $ 93,600,000.00  

Bank of America, N.A.

   $ 81,000,000.00  

Barclays Bank PLC

   $ 81,000,000.00  

Compass Bank

   $ 81,000,000.00  

Citibank, N.A.

   $ 81,000,000.00  

Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch

   $ 81,000,000.00  

DNB Capital LLC

   $ 81,000,000.00  

Royal Bank of Canada

   $ 81,000,000.00  

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

   $ 81,000,000.00  

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, New York Branch

   $ 81,000,000.00  

The Bank of Nova Scotia

   $ 81,000,000.00  

MUFG Bank, Ltd.

   $ 81,000,000.00  

U.S. Bank National Association

   $ 81,000,000.00  

Branch Banking and Trust Company

   $ 45,000,000.00  

Comerica Bank

   $ 45,000,000.00  

First Commercial Bank New York Branch

   $ 22,500,000.00  

Frost Bank

   $ 22,500,000.00  
  

 

 

 

TOTAL:

   $ 1,575,000,000.00  
  

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.1

NuStar Energy Announces Initial Closing of Private Placement of Series D Cumulative

Convertible Preferred Units to EIG and Closing of Private Placement of

Common Units to William E. Greehey

SAN ANTONIO , June 29, 2018 – NuStar Energy L.P. (NYSE: NS) (the “Partnership”) today announced the initial closing of the issuance of $400 million of Series D Cumulative Convertible Preferred Units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (the “Preferred Units”) to investment funds managed by EIG Management Company, LLC and FS/EIG Advisor, LLC, the advisor to FS Energy & Power Fund. The purchasers have agreed to purchase the remaining $190 million of Preferred Units at a second closing, scheduled to occur on July 13, 2018. In addition, the Partnership has closed the issuance of $10 million of common units representing limited partner interests in the Partnership (“Common Units”) to William E. Greehey. The aggregate net proceeds of approximately $566.8 million from the sale of the Preferred Units and Common Units will be used for general partnership purposes, including the repayment of debt and the funding of growth capital expenditures.

The securities offered in the private placements have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state laws.

This press release is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to purchase the securities described herein.

About NuStar Energy L.P. and NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NYSE: NSH)

The Partnership is a publicly traded master limited partnership based in San Antonio.

NSH is a publicly traded limited liability company that owns the general partner interest, an approximate 11 percent common limited partner interest and the incentive distribution rights in the Partnership.

Important Information for Investors and Unitholders

On February 7, 2018, the Partnership, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., NuStar GP, LLC, Marshall Merger Sub LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership (“Merger Sub”), Riverwalk Holdings, LLC and NSH entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into NSH with NSH being the surviving entity, such that the Partnership will be the sole member of NSH following the merger. In connection with the proposed merger, the Partnership has filed a registration statement (Registration No. 333-223671), which includes its preliminary prospectus, a preliminary proxy statement of NSH and other materials, with the SEC. The registration statement was declared effective by the SEC on June 15, 2018 and the definitive proxy statement/prospectus has been mailed to NSH unitholders. INVESTORS AND UNITHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN


IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP, NSH AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. The information in this communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction pursuant to or in connection with the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. Investors and unitholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents (when available) containing important information about the Partnership and NSH through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by the Partnership will be available free of charge on the Partnership’s website at www.nustarenergy.com under the tab “Investors” or by contacting the Partnership’s Investor Relations at investorrelations@nustarenergy.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by NSH will be available free of charge on NSH’s website at www.nustargpholdings.com under the tab “Investors” or by contacting NSH’s investor relations at investorrelations@nustarenergy.com.

The Partnership and its general partner, the directors and certain of the executive officers of NuStar GP, LLC and NSH and its directors and certain of its executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the unitholders of NSH in connection with the proposed merger. Information about the directors and executive officers of NuStar GP, LLC is set forth in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of NSH is set forth in NSH’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 and subsequent statements of changes in beneficial ownership on file with the SEC. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources listed above. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials filed or to be filed with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” as defined by the SEC. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein that address activities, events or developments that the Partnership or NSH expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the expected second closing of the sale of the Preferred Units and anticipated benefits and other aspects of the proposed merger, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the possibility that the merger will not be completed prior to the August 8, 2018 outside termination date, required approvals by unitholders and regulatory agencies, the possibility that the anticipated benefits from the proposed mergers cannot be fully realized, the possibility that costs or difficulties related to integration of the two companies will be greater than expected, the impact of competition and other risk factors included in the reports filed with the SEC by the Partnership or NSH. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance


on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. Except as required by law, neither the Partnership nor NSH intends to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investors:

Chris Russell, Treasurer and Vice President Investor Relations: 210-918-3507

or

Media/Communications:

Mary Rose Brown, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer: 210-918-2314